Highlights Latvia's president discusses economic and cultural co-operation with the King of Spain Latvia's president and Canadian Minister for International Trade discuss closer co-operation Latvia's president meets with the President of the Slovenian National Assembly Speaker of the Saeima on an Official Visit to Hungary Prime Minister proposes a defining of tasks for Eastern Partnership Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Canadian Minister for Trade discuss opportunities for the strengthening of economic and political relations Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Spanish Foreign Minister discuss Diplomatic secondment opportunities in preparation for Latvia's presidency of the EU Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and the President of the National Assembly of Slovenia discuss EU enlargement prospects In brief EU Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Joaquín Almunia encourages Latvia's political parties, the Parliament and social partners to support the reforms undertaken
Latvia's president discusses economic and cultural co-operation with the King of Spain His Majesty, King Juan Carlos I, and Her Majesty, Queen Sofia of Spain arrived on 5 May for the start of a two-day state visit to the Republic of Latvia. This was the first time that members of the Spanish Royal Family have visited Latvia. The royal couple were officially greeted at the Riga Castle where they also signed the presidential guest book. Afterward, President Valdis Zatlers and King Juan Carlos met to discuss economic co-operation between the two countries, particularly in the field of energy issues. His Majesty explained to the President about the electricity market in the Spanish region of Iberia, suggesting that this could be of use as a model in the development of the electricity market in the Baltic states. President Zatlers and King Juan Carlos also discussed cultural co-operation between Latvia and Spain. A Cervantes Institute is to be opened in Riga, for instance. As the discussion turned to the partnership between Latvia and Spain in the European Union and NATO, the President called for Europe to speak in a single voice and to work closely together to stabilise the situation in Afghanistan. The development of that country, said the President, must be based not only on military, but also on civil defence. His Majesty also informed President Zatlers about Spain's priorities during its upcoming presidency of the European Union. President Zatlers and King Juan Carlos later placed wreaths at the Freedom Monument and greeted the many people who had gathered to watch the ceremony. On the evening of 5 May, President Zatlers and First Lady Lilita Zatlers are hosting an official banquet in the Melngalvju House to honour the Spanish Royal Couple. Tomorrow, the President, the First Lady and the King and Queen of Spain will visit the Occupation Museum. President Zatlers and King Juan Carlos will then proceed to the Latvenergo power company, where they will take part in the opening ceremony of a second thermo-electric power plant. Mrs Zatlers and Queen Sofia, for their part, will visit City Hall Square and the Riga Dome Cathedral, as well as a residential school known as Strazdumuiza, which is for visually impaired children. President's Chancery, 5 May 2009
Latvia's president and Canadian Minister for International Trade discuss closer co-operation
On 5 May, the Canadian Minister for International Trade and for the Asia-Pacific gateway, Stockwell Burt Day, Jr., was on a working visit to meet with President Valdis Zatlers. During their meeting, the two officials discussed the economic situation that exists in Latvia and Canada at a time of global financial crisis. In discussing further economic co-operation between the two countries, the officials agreed that there is a great deal of unused potential in this regard. Speaking about the Baltic energy market, President Zatlers and Mr Day agreed that there are promising opportunities for co-operation between Latvia and Canada in this regard. President Zatlers added that Latvia is interested in North American investments, and noted also that Latvia might be interesting to Canada as an important element in the West-East transit route. President Zatlers also welcomed an agreement that was concluded at the Latvian Foreign Ministry today on the promoting and protecting of investments between Latvia and Canada. This was necessary so as to ensure that the investment agreement that was concluded between the two countries in 1995 is completely in line with EU law. At the conclusion of the meeting, Minister Day expressed condolences on behalf of the entire Canadian population for the death of two Latvian soldiers in Afghanistan on 1 May. The Canadian Minister was in Latvia one day before an EU-Canadian summit that is scheduled to take place in Prague on 6 May. The focus at the meeting will be on an all-encompassing agreement on economic partnership. This is the first time that a Canadian minister for international trade has visited Latvia. President's Chancery, 5 May 2009 Latvia's president meets with the President of the Slovenian National Assembly
Dr Pavel Gantar, President of the Slovenian National Assembly, visited Latvia's President Valdis Zatlers on 7 May. During their discussion, the two officials emphasised the good relationship that exists between Latvia and Slovenia, also noting, however, that business contacts between the two countries must be expanded. President Zatlers and Dr Gantar agreed that trade links must be developed, particularly in such areas as tourism, education and science. The two officials also discussed the situation in the Balkans Region, as well as the way in which the global financial and economic crisis has affected the economies of the two countries. President Zatlers and Dr Gantar agreed that after a period of rapid economic development and increased consumption in both countries, the economic crisis is forcing residents to change their lifestyles by becoming more responsible and frugal. At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr Gantar expressed his condolences to the families of two Latvian soldiers who died in Afghanistan on 1 May, as well as to the Latvian people in response to this event. President's Chancery, 7 May 2009 Speaker of the Saeima on an Official Visit to Hungary From 4 – 6 May, Speaker of the Saeima Gundars Daudze was on an Official Visit to Hungary at the invitation of Katalin Szili, Chair of the Hungarian National Assembly. In commencing the official visit, both Speaker Gundars Daudze and Katalin Szili agreed that the relationship between both countries is good and diverse. Regular political dialogue between Latvia and Hungary provides the opportunity to harmonise issues on the agenda of the European Union (EU), especially with regard to issues of significance to both countries such as diversity of energy supply, the Eastern Partnership, and EU enlargement. The Chair of the Hungarian Parliament pointed to the common 20th century heritage of Latvia and Hungary, observing that this year both countries will commemorate several significant events. This year will mark 20 years since the fall of the "Iron Curtain", both states have been EU member states for five full years and it has been ten years for Hungary and five years for Latvia since both states became full NATO member states. The Speaker of the Saeima acknowledged that Latvia is interested to build closer ties with the Hungarian Parliament as both states share a common vision in many areas. Support should be encouraged between both parliamentary commissions, especially in the areas of economics and finance. "Our common history is a witness to the fact that only through mutual co-operation and harmonisation of opinions can we achieve support for our common interests. Co-operation between Latvia and Hungary has been most successful to date and I am convinced that in the present circumstances in which the economic and financial crisis has impacted on both states, we must work actively and through joint efforts to achieve an economic rejuvenation for our states" emphasised Mr Daudze. Within the framework of this visit and in meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Hungary, Peter Balazs, both officials evaluated various possibilities for intensification of economic co-operation. The officials noted positively the agreement that has been concluded between the Latvian Investment and Development Agency and its Hungarian counterpart. A notable investment in the development of relations has taken place with the opening of Embassies in each country. Speaker of the Saeima Gundars Daudze also met with the President of the Republic of Hungary, Laszlo Solyom, on 6 May. Both senior officials praised the political ties between Latvia and Hungary and noted especially the successful co-operation in the areas of culture and education, noting at the same time that the key task in the further development of relations between both states will be in the activating of economic relations. During their meeting both sides reviewed the significance of the events of 1989 for both states and in the context of the history of all of Europe. The Hungarian president advised his guest that in June of this year there will be various celebrations and events held in Budapest to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Iron Curtain. Focussing on issues of regional relationships, the officials agreed that to realise a further strengthening of the interests of the states, a closer co-operation should be realised between the three Baltic and four Visegrad states. In his meeting with Matyas Eorsi, Chair of the Hungarian Parliaments European Affairs Commission, discussions focussed on current topics on the agenda of the EU, including on the opportunity to better harmonise EU foreign policy. Both officials expressed the hope that the Treaty of Lisbon will come into force this year, thus opening greater opportunities for co-operation in the political sphere, which will thus provide smaller countries such as Latvia with greater opportunities to co-operate with like-minded partners so as to achieve the realisation of our interests" emphasised the Speaker of the Saeima. On 5 May, the Latvian Embassy in Hungary organised a meeting for Speaker of the Saeima Gundars Daudze and for Latvians residing in Hungary. Within the framework of the occasion, Gundars Daudze presented a Certificate of Recognition from the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers, to Dr Lazlo Vajda, Director of the EU Co-ordination and International Relations Department of the Hungarian Ministry for Agriculture and Rural Development. There are presently more than 40 Latvians residing in Hungary. The Saeima, 4 – 6 May 2009 Embassy of Latvia to Hungary, 5 May 2009 Prime Minister proposes a defining of tasks for Eastern Partnership On 7 May, Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis was on a working visit to the Czech Republic for participation at the inaugural summit of the Eastern Partnership. Within the framework of the summit, the heads of government of twenty-seven European Union member states and 6 Eastern neighbour states: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine signed the declaration on the formal commencement of the Eastern Partnership. Prime Minister Dombrovskis expressed his appreciation to the leader of the Czech government, Mirek Topolanek, for organising the summit, and he also emphasised that Latvia regards most highly the preparations for the Eastern Partnership Initiative as undertaken by the European Commission and the EU presidency. In his address, Valdis Dombrovskis expressed his conviction that the new-formed partnership will, in the long term, have to demonstrate a positive influence not only in each partnership member state, but also throughout Europe, providing an investment in development and stability. The Eastern Partnership is providing an opportunity without precedent for political and practical co-operation. We are different, yet we are united by the expressions today of a joint enterprise. The Prime Minister emphasised that bilateral co-operation with the Eastern Partnership will mean an opportunity to realise the goals of each individual partner state. New co-operation agreements, a broader and all encompassing free trade with each state, co-operation in energy supply and security, liberalising of the visa regime processes and a secure environment – all of these elements will be developed at the individual level. Co-operation prospects will be realised and tailored according to the interests of each partner's differing interests, needs, and circumstances. At the same time the positive outcome of the partnership will be to the advantage of the whole region. In addressing the Summit participants, Prime Minister Dombrovskis pointed out: "Today we announce the political news of the commencement of a new partnership, but it is also important to identify the future tasks for this partnership. Thus, today I turn to the current and to the next presidency of the EU, as well as to the European Commission with an invitation to immediately get to work on the realisation and implementation of the Eastern Partnership and its leading initiative. Latvia's priority in the new policy between the European Union and its neighbour states is to facilitate the commencement of practical tasks in the important areas of co-operation – energy, trade, education, and environment. The Cabinet of Ministers, 6 May 2009
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and the Canadian Minister for Trade discuss opportunities for the strengthening of economic and political relations
On 5 May, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with Stockwell Burt Day Jr., the Canadian Minister for International Trade and the Asia-Pacific Gateway, who was on a visit to Latvia. This is the first time that a Canadian Minister for Trade has visited Latvia. Minister Riekstins noted with pleasure the development of relations between both countries, emphasising that Latvia has always received Canada's support in the achievement of its goals. Canada was the first of the NATO countries to ratify the protocols on Latvia's accession to NATO. As one of the priorities of bilateral co-operation, Foreign Minister Riekstins mentioned the intensification of economic relations, pointing out that presently, co-operation is taking place in the fields of food manufacture, pharmaceuticals and in the textiles area. Minister Riekstins pointed out that Latvia and Canada both wish to co-operate in the development of democratic and socio-economic processes and in the strengthening of the European neighbour region. Within the framework of their discussions, Messrs Riekstins and Day discussed also Canada and Latvia's joint efforts in Afghanistan. The Canadian minister expressed his deepest sympathy in regard to the two Latvian soldiers who were killed on 1 May. During their discussions attention focussed also on European Union – Canada relations. Canada's Minister for International Trade is visiting Latvia one day before the scheduled EU – Canada summit that will take place in Prague, and at which it is planned to commence negotiations on a universal EU – Canada economic partnership agreement. Following their discussions, both ministers concluded an agreement on the promotion and protection of investments between the Republic of Latvia and the government of Canada. Minister Riekstins expressed his pleasure at the strengthening of the legal framework on issues with regard to investments, which is a positive signal to businessmen of both states. Minister Day noted that Latvia is the first of the new EU member states to sign an agreement which guarantees the compatibility of agreements already signed with EU laws in general. MFA, 5 May 2009
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Spanish Foreign Minister discuss Diplomatic secondment opportunities in preparation for Latvia's presidency of the EU
On 6 May, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Co-operation of the Kingdom of Spain, Miguel Angel Moratinos, who is in Latvia as part of the State Visit to Latvia by the King of Spain. During their meeting, Maris Riekstins and Minister Moratinos discussed aspects of the bilateral relationships between both states and the deepening of co-operation, while also recognising the value of political dialogue. In discussing possibilities for the intensification of economic co-operation with Spain, Maris Riekstins noted that, since Latvia acceded to the European Union in 2004, the joint trade turnover has increased by three times and Latvia's exports have increased by five times. Ministers Riekstins and Moratinos discussed the processes of Spain's current presidency of the Council of Europe, including the ministerial committee meeting of the 60th anniversary of the Council of Europe, scheduled for 11 – 12 May in Madrid. Similarly, the ministers discussed the priorities with regard to Spain's forthcoming presidency of the European Union, which is to take place in the first half of 2010. Both parties were of the same mind that the realisation of the Treaty of Lisbon will be one of the greatest challenges of the presidency. Both the Foreign Ministers of Latvia and of Spain expressed hope that the Senate of the Czech Republic will ratify the Treaty of Lisbon. Minister Riekstins pointed out that support towards the improvement of relations with our Eastern neighbours and the furthering of Eastern Partnership projects are among the expectations of Spain's forthcoming presidency of the European Union. The ministers discussed aspects of the Eastern Partnership inaugural summit which will take place on 7 May in Prague. Minister Riekstins noted that the summit will be a historical and politically significant event at which politicians from the EU member states and from Eastern Europe as well as from the South Caucasus will meet in a formal setting for the first time. The ministers also discussed the possibilities of diplomatic secondment and in-service opportunities during the period of Spain's presidency. "Experience and exchange for diplomats is most import, as Latvia prepares for its Presidency of the EU in 2015, and will provide a major contribution to the professional development of Latvia's Foreign Service". The discussion also focussed on aspects of co-operation between both states in the various regional formats. Minister Moratinos praised the work of the Council of the Baltic Sea Region and expressed a preparedness to participate as an observer, emphasising the value of the experience of the Union for the Mediterranean. During their discussions, Minister Moratinos extended an invitation to Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to visit Spain. Audio files from press conference (Latvian | Spanish | English) 1.92 MB MFA, 6 May 2009
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and the President of the National Assembly of Slovenia discuss EU enlargement prospects On 6 May, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with Dr Pavel Gantar, President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia. In discussing Latvia's and Slovenia's bilateral relations, both sides noted positively the development of political dialogue while also noting the need for the further strengthening of economic co-operation, especially in view of the challenges of the current economic circumstances. With regard to European Union agenda issues, attention was focussed on the prospects for EU enlargement. Dr Gantar informed his host about the present situation with regard to the sea border issue between Slovenia and Croatia, which has become a hurdle in the question of Croatia's integration into the European Union. Mr Riekstins emphasised the importance of the political will of both parties, and offered support to that solution which will have a positive outcome. The president of the National Assembly of Slovenia expressed Slovenia's support for Croatia's potential membership of the European Union. As part of their conversation the Latvian Foreign Minister and the President of the National Assembly of Slovenia also exchanged viewpoints on the situation in the Western Balkans, and both emphasised the necessity for a liberalisation of the visa regime. MFA, 6 May 2009
EU Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Joaquín Almunia encourages Latvia's political parties, the Parliament and social partners to support the reforms undertaken On 6 May, Prime Minister Dombrovskis met with Joaquin Almunia, EU Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs. Mr. Dombrovskis and the Commissioner discussed Latvia's progress in implementing its economy stabilisation plan and in the drafting of the proposed budget amendments and structural reforms. Valdis Dombrovskis recognised the assessment expressed by Joaquin Almunia for the performance of Latvia's Government with regard to the budget amendments and structural reforms showing that Latvia is on the right path towards stabilisation of the national economy and in the implementation of a sustainable reform policy. After the meeting Mr. Almunia emphasised that this was a valuable opportunity to discuss Latvia's progress in overcoming the current economic crisis. "As we know, at the end of the previous year international bodies and Latvia reached an agreement on international financial assistance and on reforms to be undertaken. The European Commission encourages and supports Latvia in the process of drafting the budget amendments and in undertaking the necessary reforms in accordance with the economy stabilisation programme. We support the Government's work aimed at stabilising its finances and at implementing reforms in the most essential areas – public administration, health care and education. Public support is of great importance. Latvia needs to attain the main objective – resumption of economic growth and reduction of unemployment. This is possible provided the necessary reforms are implemented and national finances are balanced. For Latvia to join the euro zone in 2011, it is necessary to amend the budget and to reduce inflation. The European Commission acknowledges the commitment of Latvia's Government and is convinced about Government's capacity to attain the objectives. The Commission also encourages Latvia's Parliament, political parties and social partners to provide their contribution in this important work in order to regain economic growth, social development and to ensure the pre-conditions for joining the euro zone," said Joaquin Almunia. The Cabinet of Ministers, 6 May 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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