|
LATVIA TODAY: FOREIGN POLICY NEWS
9 - 13 March 2009
No. 56 |
HEADLINES
Highlights
Latvian parliament approves new government
In brief
Accreditation of non-resident Ambassador of Latvia to the Principality of Monaco
Ambassador of Latvia presents letters of credence to President of Iceland
Ambassador of Latvia presents letters of credence to the King of Jordan
Latvian parliament approves new government
On 12 March 2008 the Latvian Saeima (parliament) approved the new government headed by Valdis Dombrovskis. After a debate, the motion was carried with 67 votes for and 21 votes against.
Declaration of the Intended Activities of the Cabinet of Ministers headed by Valdis Dombrovskis, 12 March 2009
[Excerpt]
6. Foreign affairs
6.1. Enhancing such bilateral and regional co-operation which develops export, promotes investments and creates a favourable environment for the growth and development of Latvia.
6.2. By ensuring conditions that will facilitate the development of Latvia, enhancement of common EU activities and principles aimed at the promotion and growth of the economy.
6.3. Supporting the development of a common EU energy policy by actively resolving issues related to the security of energy supplies, diversification of resources and the Baltic inter-connection plan.
6.4. By developing and strengthening the partnership with the new U.S. Administration and by promoting the intensity and scale of NATO co-operation, provision of security in the European and Transatlantic area.
6.5. Following the elections of the European Parliament, promoting the composition of a new and strong European Commission.
6.6. In co-operation with the Reflection Group, definition of ideas for the future of Europe.
6.7. Ensuring EU unity by continuing negotiations with Russia on the new Partnership and Co-operation Agreement. In bilateral co-operation, development of the opportunities provided by the activities of the Latvian-Russian Inter-governmental Commission.
6.8. By enhancing co-operation among the Baltic states and Nordic countries, fostering the development of the region and achieving agreement with regard to the adoption of the EU Baltic Sea Strategy.
6.9. While working towards the adoption of the EU Eastern Partnership Initiative, further provision of support to Georgia, Moldova, the Ukraine, thus promoting co-operation in the whole region, involving more actively Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus. Enhancement of the co-operation of the Eastern Partnership countries with the EU by transferring Latvia's reform experience, facilitating the improvement of economic, judicial and security conditions in the eastern environs of the EU. For the purposes of this objective, the use of resources allocated for development assistance.
6.10. Supporting the EU accession negotiations of Croatia and Turkey, as well as the integration of other countries to the EU on the basis of the defined EU enlargement criteria.
6.11. Continuation of preparatory activities for Latvia's presidency of the EU in 2015 by preparing and approving the Government's action plan.
Composition of the Cabinet of Ministers headed by Valdis Dombrovskis
Accreditation of first Ambassador of Latvia to the Principality of Monaco
On 12 March, Ambassador Janis Karklins presented letters of accreditation to Albert II, Prince of Monaco, thus becoming the first ever Ambassador of Latvia to the Principality of Monaco.
In conversation with Prince Albert II, the Latvian Ambassador discussed issues relating the world financial crisis and its effect on the Latvian economy, and also the subject of European security architecture, which has been a topical theme recently. Issues relating to global climate change were also mentioned, particularly given that Prince Albert II in 2006 created a fund which has as its chief aim the protection of the global climate.
Ambassador Karklins is currently also Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to France and to the Principality of Andorra. He is also Latvia's permanent representative in UNESCO. Diplomatic relations were established between Latvia and Monaco on 15 October 2008.
Embassy of Latvia to France, 12 March 2009
Ambassador of Latvia presents letters of credence to President of Iceland
On 10 March, Ambassador of Latvia to Iceland, Andris Sekacis, presented letters of credence to the President of Iceland, Olafur Ragnar Grimsson.
During their meeting the Latvian Ambassador and the President of Iceland reviewed bilateral political and economic relations, and agreed to maintain close co-operation between the two countries also in the future.
During an accreditation call on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iceland, security and economic issues were discussed, as well as the possible accession of Iceland to the European Union.
The Latvian Ambassador has his permanent residence in Oslo, Norway, but there is also an Honorary Consulate of Latvia in Iceland which is headed by Mr Jon Snorrason.
Embassy of Latvia to Norway, 10 March 2009
Ambassador of Latvia presents letters of credence to the King of Jordan
On 8 March in Amman, Ambassador Maris Selga presented letters of credence to King Abdullah II of Jordan, thus becoming the first ever Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Latvia to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The accreditation of the Latvian Ambassador is a concrete step towards the strengthening of relations between the Republic of Latvia and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, as well an added impetus to the development of Latvia's relations with Arab nations.
During the accreditation visit there was also a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Jordan, where officials discussed bilateral relations and the opportunities for deepening existing co-operation between the two countries, particularly in the economic realm.
The Latvian Ambassador has his permanent residence in Cairo, Egypt. There has also been an Honorary Consulate of Latvia in Jordan since 1997, which is headed by Mr Khaled Khalil Miqdadi.
Embassy of Latvia to Arab Republic of Egypt, 8 March 2009
| 15 - 16 March 2009 |
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to participate in the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) meeting, Brussels |
| 19 - 20 March 2009 |
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to take part in the Eurocouncil meeting in Brussels |
|
23 - 24 March 2009 |
Adriatic-Baltic-Atlantic meeting in Riga
On 23-24 March, at the initiative of Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins, there will be an Adriatic state, Baltic state and Atlantic meeting in Riga. The meeting will bring together foreign ministers from Albania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Montenegro. The U.S. administration will also be represented.
During the meeting discussions on current regional and global security policy issues are anticipated, as well as the exchange of opinions on the issues which are on the agenda of the upcoming NATO Summit in Strasbourg and Kehl. The Adriatic-Baltic-Atlantic meeting is taking place on the eve of the 60th anniversary of NATO and at a time when we are marking the 5th anniversary of the accession of the Baltic states to NATO. In the context of these two significant events, the meeting of the ministers will confirm support for the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the countries of the Western Balkans and in addition will emphasise the partnership role of the Alliance in guaranteeing international security.
The Adriatic-Baltic-Atlantic meeting in Riga will reflect the continuation of a successfully-started and well-developed dialogue, providing a framework for the exchange of experience in Euro-Atlantic integration, as well as for the promotion of regional co-operation. The first Adriatic-Baltic-Atlantic meeting took place in 2006 at the initiative of Croatia. This will be the first time that the Adriatic-Baltic-Atlantic meeting will take place in an enlarged format, with the attendance of the foreign ministers from Montenegro as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Read
MFA, 11 March 2009 |
LINKS:
http://www.president.lv
http://www.saeima.lv
http://www.mk.gov.lv
http://www.am.gov.lv
The newsletter "Latvia today: foreign policy news" is a compilation of press releases and news reports drawn from the media and official sources. The views published do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
