Highlights President Valdis Zatlers on a state visit to Estonia Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis on an official visit to Lithuania President Zatlers attends NATO Council meeting President Zatlers congratulates new NATO Secretary-General A Video Briefing by President Zatlers from the NATO Summit President Zatlers discusses results of NATO Summit with U.S. President 'Open Door' policy is applicable not only to Western Balkans The European Union and the United States indicate openness to co-operation prospects with Europe's Eastern Partnership states In brief Maris Riekstins approves the Constitutional Court's adopted decision on the compliance of the law on the ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon with the Constitution of Latvia New Honorary Consul to Israel receives exequatur
President Valdis Zatlers on a State Visit to Estonia A ceremony held outside the castle of the Estonian president launched the State Visit of Latvia's President Valdis Zatlers and First Lady Lilita Zatlers to Estonia on 7 April 2009. The two presidents met and agreed that the best bilateral relations in the history of Latvia and Estonia are happening at this very time. Thanking his host for the warm reception to Estonia, President Zatlers said: "The residents of our neighbouring countries have been closely linked for years and even centuries, both in economic terms and in everyday situations." President Ilves, for his part, thanked Latvia for being an outstanding example of partnership - for providing space for Estonian diplomats at the Latvian embassy in Cairo, Egypt. The two presidents agreed that the partnership model of embassy work should continue to be developed in other countries. President Ilves also called for more active work on projects involving southern Estonia and northern Latvia. The defence and culture ministers of the two countries also participated in the presidential meeting. The discussion focused on co-operation in both areas, particularly in terms of song festivals. The parties also agreed that the Baltic Defence College, which is a joint project for all three Baltic states, is an outstanding example of partnership for other NATO member states. Presidents Zatlers and Ilves also discussed economic issues, particularly the establishment of an electricity grid link to Sweden. After the official meeting with his Estonian opposite number, President Zatlers attended a working luncheon with Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip. The two officials discussed the recent NATO summit and its results, as well as the outstanding co-operation that exists between Riga and Tallinn in terms of economic, cultural and defence affairs. After the luncheon, President Zatlers placed a wreath at the monument to those who had fallen during Estonia's independence battles. He also visited the Estonian Museum of the Occupation. Opening a new exhibition on "Deportations From Latvia on 25th March 1949," President Zatlers noted that the Baltic states have never felt as secure as they do today, but the Baltic people must never forget their history. "Our independence would not have been possible if the sense of freedom had not taken root in our souls and our thoughts during the long years of the Soviet occupation," said the President. Later on 7 April, President Zatlers visited the Latvian school in Estonia, after which he and Mrs Zatlers attended a state dinner hosted by President Ilves and First Lady Evelin Ilves. During the day, the two first ladies visited the Estonian Children's Literature Centre. President Valdis Zatlers and First Lady Lilita Zatlers continued their state visit to Estonia on 8 April. First the President attended an Estonian-Latvian business seminar, where a Latvian project called "Berry Bread" was presented. Addressing Latvian and Estonian businesspeople, the presidents of both countries said that economic co-operation between the two countries has always been successful and has developed in a positive direction. President Zatlers stressed the fact that co-operation among the Baltic states is more important now, during the current economic situation, than has been the case at other times, and so more attention needs to be devoted to a Baltic Sea Region strategy for the European Union now that problems have to be addressed in the context of a global crisis. After the business seminar, President Zatlers visited one of Estonia's success stories - the Skype Company. The President also opened an exhibition, "The History of Latvia in Cartoons," at the Estonian National Library. He told his audience that he loves cartoons, because they are full of positivism. He also said that people should be happy about life and learn from those who draw cartoons, because they are great optimists. President Zatlers presented a cartoon from the newspaper Latvijas Avize that shows him and his wife discussing the vegetable garden, which the American First Lady had planted outside the White House. Later, President Zatlers met with the speaker of the Estonian Parliament, Ene Ergma. The two officials discussed the energy market in the Baltic states, as well as the economic situation which prevails in the two countries. At the conclusion of his visit, President Zatlers delivered a speech to the Estonian Foreign Policy Institute. Read | Other link | Other link President's Chancery, 7-8 April 2009 Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis on an Official Visit to Lithuania On 8 March, Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis of the Republic of Latvia was on an Official Visit to the Republic of Lithuania where he had a meeting with Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius. The main discussion topics were the development of bilateral co-operation, the economic and financial situation, as well as current energy matters. Both the heads of government of Latvia and of Lithuania admitted that the development of bilateral relations between both countries has been intensive and successful which is proven by the fact that Lithuania is the key trade partner of Latvia. The officials also discussed the cross-border co-operation of Latvia and Lithuania. Mr Dombrovskis expressed the view that this close co-operation with Lithuania is one of the priorities of the Government of Latvia and is included in the National Development Plan. In addressing the current economic and financial situation in Latvia and Lithuania, as well as on the global scale, the parties admitted that the planned measures by governments for economic stimulation or changes in fiscal policy also affect other countries, and therefore co-operation and information exchange should be promoted. Messrs Dombrovskis and Kubilius also discussed the conclusions of the G20 summit in London. Valdis Dombrovskis expressed the opinion that: "Latvia positively assesses the summit conclusions, as the agreement of G20 leaders on a global economic stimulus package to the amount of 5 trillion dollars serves as a positive sign to global markets and indicates a strong determination to revive the economic growth and performance of the financial markets." Both prime ministers shared common views on the necessity for a co-ordinated global action for overcoming the financial and economic crisis. "The sooner the growth will revive in global markets, the sooner Latvia will feel the recovery of the economy," said the Latvian Prime Minister. Mr Dombrovskis said that Latvia positively assesses the resolution to eliminate trade barriers on a global scale, as protectionism in the current situation will only intensify and deepen the crisis. The Latvian side believes that it is important to achieve a liberalisation of global trade. In their talks, Mr Dombrovskis and Mr Kubilius also touched upon the climate change issue. The Latvian side welcomed the determination to move towards an environment-friendly and sustainable global economy. Mr Dombrovskis expressed the position that it is important to achieve agreement on the restriction of environmental and climate changes at the UN conference in Copenhagen, which is scheduled to take place at the end of the year and will be dedicated to this topic. An important issue addressed during the meeting of both prime ministers was the creation of a Baltic energy market and its integration into the European energy markets. Both prime ministers expressed the common view that the agreement on opening the energy markets is important. Mr Dombrovskis stressed: "It is important to achieve an equal opening of the Lithuanian and Estonian energy markets, as it has been done in Latvia." It was agreed that the opinions of the prime ministers of all three Baltic states expressed during their scheduled meeting for 26-27 April this year should be recorded in a joint communiqué. Mr Dombrovskis invited his colleague to agree on the principles for the creation of the interconnection between Sweden and the Baltic states and to ask companies to conclude an agreement for commencement of the project. Prime Minister Dombrovskis also invited Lithuania to proceed with other projects, including the progress of a planned inter-connection between Lithuania and Poland. Mr Dombrovskis expressed his concerns to the Lithuanian Prime Minister regarding the slow progress on the Visaginas nuclear power plant project. Mr Dombrovskis requested the Lithuanian side to proceed with this project on the basis of the Trakai agreement that was signed in February 2006 and the binding documents. Those matters will be one of the key topics in the meeting of Baltic state prime ministers, which will be held this April in Vilnius. As previously reported, the European Union has granted 175 million euros for the creation of the inter-connection between the Baltic states and Sweden, for the enhancement of the Baltic electric energy networks and for the creation of a uniform electric energy network. Latvia is interested to actively utilise the financing for strengthening of the infrastructure. During the meeting, the officials also touched upon the current European Union and international matters. They discussed the forthcoming Swedish presidency of the European Union, which will commence on 1 July this year. In this respect, the heads of government of both Lithuania and Latvia exchanged views on the Baltic Sea strategy and the development of the Eastern Partnership, and concluded that both countries are interested in an active EU common policy in this region, and in the promotion of regional co-operation and development. As previously reported an inaugural summit is planned to take place in May, with the participation of 27 EU member states and 6 neighbouring countries of the Eastern Partnership. During their talks, the officials also exchanged opinions on the further progress of the Lisbon Treaty, the upcoming European Parliament elections, the nomination of a new EU Commission, and the results of the elections for the NATO Secretary General. On 8 April, Prime Minister Dombrovskis in continuing his visit to the Republic of Lithuania also met with President Valdas Adamkus of Lithuania and with the Speaker of the Seimas, Irena Degutiene. President Adamkus expressed his conviction that the issue regarding the creation of a common Baltic energy market must be unanimous and that there must be a joint position both in regard to the creation of the market as well as on the inter-connection with Sweden. The Lithuanian president expressed his determination that the agreement of Trakai must be fulfilled by Lithuania. Mr Dombrovskis informed his colleagues that Latvia is for an open energy market and that Latvia has already achieved this. "We invite Lithuania and Estonia to join in the development of a three-way Baltic energy market and to open this market on the basis of equal terms", said Mr Dombrovskis. The Latvian prime minister emphasised that Latvia's invitation extends to the agreement of the principles of the development of the inter-connection from Sweden to the Baltic states so that each of the three sides - Latvia, Lithuania, and Sweden would be equal partners. The officials exchanged opinions on the financial and macro-economic situation and on plans for the introduction of the Euro. Mr Dombrovskis emphasised that Latvia's task, in fulfilling the Maastricht criteria, is to achieve a budget deficit of 3% of the GNP by 2011 so that it could join the Euro zone in 2012 In his discussion with the first Deputy Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas, Irena Degutiene, the question of the role of the Baltic Assembly within the context of co-operation among the three Baltic states was discussed. Lithuanian parliamentarians have indicated a great interest in the economic situation in Latvia, about taxation policy, about the development of the banking sector, social issues and about social assistance programmes. After his meeting with the most senior Lithuanian officials, Mr Dombrovskis participated in an official wreath laying at the Lithuanian Freedom Memorial. In concluding his visit Mr Dombrovskis then visited the Embassy of Latvia and met with representatives of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Cabinet of Ministers, 8 April 2009 President Zatlers attends NATO Council meeting On 3-4 April of this year, Latvia's President Valdis Zatlers attended a meeting of the Heads of State and Heads of Government of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), which was devoted primarily to issues related to the issue of Afghanistan. In his address to the meeting, President Zatlers emphasised the role of NATO in the stabilisation of post-war Europe, as well as the stabilisation which the alliance ensured as NATO agreed to enlargement. "I am delighted to see the presidents of Albania and of Croatia as representatives of full members of NATO. But let us remember, please, that the process must not stop in the Balkans or the eastern countries of Europe," the President said. He also expressed strict support for the new strategy, which the United States has in relation to Afghanistan, emphasising the idea that it is necessary to review the goals of the alliance on a regular basis, as well as to see how progress is made in relation to those goals. "Since the Bucharest summit," said President Zatlers, "I have spoken to nearly all of the leaders of Afghanistan's neighbouring countries, and they have all said that NATO is really necessary in Afghanistan, but the work of the alliance requires substantial improvements. If we want NATO to become involved in the process of regional stabilisation, it will be necessary to involve those neighbours." President Zatlers welcomes the compromises that were achieved in the summit's declaration. All of the issues that are important to Latvia were addressed. This includes NATO enlargement, as well as work with Georgia and Ukraine. The declaration also addresses NATO's operations in Afghanistan, speaking to closer co-operation so as to ensure better mutual co-ordination among countries and organisations. The President also said that it is necessary to restart dialogue with Russia while, at the same time, not forgetting about the need to evaluate the relationship which currently exists between NATO and Russia. Delegates to the summit also approved a declaration on the security of the alliance. This involves the re-launch of an attempt to come up with a new NATO strategic concept, as well as to produce a separate declaration on the role of the alliance in the stabilisation of Afghanistan. In commemoration of NATO's 60th anniversary, in turn, President Zatlers and leaders of the other 27 member states of NATO participated in a symbolic ceremony that took place on the border of Germany and France. The event took place on the banks of the Rhine. President's Chancery, 4 April 2009
President Zatlers congratulates new NATO Secretary-General Latvia's President Valdis Zatlers was among the first to congratulate Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen on becoming the new Secretary-General of NATO. "Latvia supported the candidacy of Prime Minister Rasmussen to take the post, because Denmark has always been a friend and ally to Latvia. It was one of the first countries to recognise Latvia's independence," said President Zatlers. He also said that he welcomes the fact that Rasmussen, who is an outstanding diplomat, will run the North Atlantic alliance. President Zatlers and Secretary-General Rasmussen will meet on 30 April, when President Zatlers will be on a working visit to Copenhagen. President's Chancery, 4 April A Video Briefing by President Zatlers from the NATO Summit The President: The main issue to be discussed at yesterday's dinner for Heads of State and the NATO session which took place today was Afghanistan, focusing on the way in which to enhance financial, civilian and military support for that country. The second issue which we discussed, of course, was NATO's future strategy. It is of key importance to emphasise the fact that NATO is a military organisation which ensures a collective security and defence. We are very interested in making sure that Article 5 is enhanced with planning, with joint training, and with a visible presence in the places where that is necessary - the Baltic states included. There were, of course, discussions about the whole range of issues which prevail. I would like to stress the fact that when we talked about Afghanistan, there were different opinions, but everyone agreed that this is a challenge for NATO, and that this mission must certainly be completed with an effective final result. I emphasised the fact that neighbouring countries must be brought into this process, and that there must be a political solution, because each neighbouring country has its interests in Afghanistan, and every one of them can help. We shouldn't just concentrate on Pakistan and forget that there is also influence by Tajikistan and its people, as well as by Iran. Finally, we talked about NATO's future relations with Russia and the way in which these relations should be established. Latvia's interests are represented in the final communiqué, and the communiqué is in line with Latvia's present interests. The document stresses the need for good will and patience. It also says that when it comes to elections, they should produce a result which is acceptable to both sides. Let me say once again that during the negotiations, I insisted on several occasions that the enlargement of NATO has always been a success story. This has been more successful in Central and Eastern Europe, including our Baltic states, because NATO membership has ensured not just stability and security, but also democratic reforms throughout this region. The breaking point focuses on the Balkans. Albania and Croatia became full members of NATO today and sat at our table. These countries are envoys of security and stability in the Balkans region. This is just the first step in ensuring that the whole Balkans region becomes stable and secure in future. We must also not forget about enlargement in the direction of Ukraine and Georgia. President's Chancery, 4 April 2009
President Zatlers discusses results of NATO Summit with U.S. President Latvia's President Valdis Zatlers and U.S. President Barack Obama have had informal discussions on the results of this weekend's NATO summit. The two leaders particularly focused on NATO operations in Afghanistan, the restoration of relations with Russia, the meaning of Article 5 of the Washington Treaty in NATO's new strategic concept, and the need to plan and test situations related to Article 5. President Zatlers' upcoming visit to Washington was also discussed. "President Obama is a friend of Latvia, and today I have established a good, personal relationship with him," said the President. On 5 April, President Zatlers took part in a working luncheon for heads of State and Heads of Government from the European Union and the United States. Participants discussed the global economic situation, climate change, energy issues, as well as an EU and U.S. partnership in terms of ensuring stability in the world, and particularly in Afghanistan and the Middle East. President Zatlers also held a series of informal conversations with leaders from EU member states. President's Chancery, 5 April 2009
'Open Door' policy is applicable not only to Western Balkans On 3 April, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins participated in the NATO Foreign Ministers informal working dinner at Baden-Baden in Germany, not far from the French border. The Foreign Ministers' discussions took place on the evening before the 60th Anniversary NATO meeting of Heads of State and Heads of Government. The main agenda item concerned the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkan states and also the Alliance's security declaration. In the discussion with NATO colleagues about the Western Balkans, Foreign Minister Riekstins noted the progress of the states in this region over the past ten years and congratulated Albania and Croatia on the historic nature of their participation in this summit in Strasbourg / Kehl as full member states of the Alliance. The Minister emphasised the important role of the 'Open Door' policy and the importance of its credibility towards stability and security throughout all of Europe. "Since the last NATO enlargement five years have now passed and Latvia has vivid memories of its own integration process to NATO. From our experience we know that the prospect of integration is a great motivating factor not only for internal reforms but also in the fulfilling of the necessary membership criteria. For exactly this reason and in the interests of our common security, the 'Open Door' policy is applicable not only to the Western Balkans but also in a broader European context" stated the minister.
The European Union and the United indicate openness to co-operation prospects with Europe's Eastern Partnerhip states On 5 April, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins participated in a working luncheon with Foreign Ministers of EU member states and of the U.S., as part of an informal EU - U.S. meeting within the Prague Summit. The agenda of the foreign ministers' meeting included an exchange of opinions on Eastern Partnership states and the Western Balkans region, the situation in the Middle East, as well as the participation of the international community in the reconstruction of Afghanistan and the stabilisation of the region, including in Pakistan. In discussing the European Union and U.S. co-operation with the Eastern Partnership states, Latvia's Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins emphasised that, as the main long-term task, it is necessary for the EU and the U.S. to clearly define their goals with regard to Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, and the South Caucasus states on their trajectory towards Euroatlantic integration. "Notwithstanding the differing internal political situations and status of reforms within the Eastern Partnership states, the EU and the U.S. must offer convincing signals to these states, that Europe is interested in co-operation and is ready to offer its assistance", indicated Maris Riekstins. The foreign minister, in discussion with his colleagues, pointed out that one of the current co-operation priorities with the Eastern Partnership states is the search for a solution to frozen conflicts, especially with regard to the questions of Transnistria and Nagorno Karabakh, not to mention a common strategy for EU and U.S. involvement in Georgia. Minister Riekstins also invited foreign ministers from the EU and U.S. to search for opportunities to integrate the Eastern European states in energy co-operation planning so as to lessen the dependence of these states on any one energy supply source. The foreign ministers meeting paid special attention to the issue of the global financial crisis and its effect in eastern European states. The ministers were of one opinion that the joint decisions of the G20 summit in London now need to be implemented and realised. "The cost of political and social instability in Europe's Eastern Neighbourhood states may be the price which it will be necessary to pay, if we are not able to find a common solution to the critical financial situation", noted Maris Riekstins. As the presiding state in the hosting of the informal summit meeting between the EU and the United States, the goal of the Czech Republic was to facilitate the meeting of EU Heads of State and Heads of Government with U.S. President Barack Obama, as well as with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton so as to discuss the intensification of transatlantic co-operation with the new U.S. administration. Latvia was represented at the EU - U.S. summit by President Valdis Zatlers and by Minister for Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins. MFA, 5 April 2009
Maris Riekstins approves the Constitutional Court's adopted decision on the compliance of the law on the ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon with the Constitution of Latvia At the same time, Minister Riekstins expressed hope that those member states of the European Union that have not yet completed the Treaty of Lisbon ratification process will do so in the nearest future so that the treaty may successfully come into force. The Constitutional Court of Latvia on 7 April 2009, announced the decision "On the Law on the Treaty of Lisbon to amend the Treaty on the European Union and the Treaty on the establishing the European Community" which is in compliance with Article 101 of the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia. The Constitutional Court has indicated that it has not observed any norms of the Treaty of Lisbon which would be in violation of Article 2 of the Constitution with regard to the sovereign power of the people, and also adopted the decision that the law, by which the Treaty of Lisbon is ratified, conforms to Article 101 of the Constitution which determines that every citizen of Latvia has the right, as provided for by law, to participate in the activities of the State and of local government. More detailed information on the decision adopted by the Constitutional Court is available on the official website at: http://www.satv.tiesa.gov.lv/?lang=2&top=1&rid=205 MFA, 7 April
New honorary Consul to Israel receives exequatur On 2 April, Latvia's Honorary Consul to Israel, Dan Tochner, formally received his exequatur in a ceremony at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dan Tochner, who will be responsible for the fulfilling of the functions of the Honorary Consul in Northern Israel, in his speech, proposed to advance the co-operation between Israeli and Latvian entrepreneurs, as well as co-operation in culture and to offer support to events organised by the Latvian Embassy in Israel. Dan Tochner is the third Honorary Consul of Latvia to Israel. The Honorary Consul of Latvia to Southern Israel is Assaph Caspi, and the Honorary Consul to Central Israel is Sara Allalouf. Embassy of Latvia to Israel, 2 April 2009
http://www.president.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 |
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