Highlights Visit by President Zatlers to the U.S. continued UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zayed Al Nahyan visits Latvia for the first time on an official visit Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins: the June meeting of the European Council will be the forum for a presentation on the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region which is most important for Latvia.
In brief Latvia elected to the Commission on Sustainable Development Latvia establishes diplomatic relations with Suriname A book by a Latvian political scientist The System Made Me Do It: Corruption in Post-Communist Societies presented in Warsaw
Visit by President Zatlers to the U.S. continued Latvia's President Valdis Zatlers completed his working visit to the Washington, DC, on May 17, by meeting with representatives of the local Latvian community in Rockville, MD, where the President visited the Latvian Sunday school. At his meeting with local Latvians, President Zatlers said that in the various classrooms, he felt the future of Latvia. The President welcomed the fact that children in Rockville are taught to be Latvians and honest people, as well as to love one another, their nation and their country. Speaking about the wealth of experience and interesting memories that bring together Latvians in America, President Zatlers talked about the "Collective Memory" project he is a patron. The project collects memories on video and places them on the Internet. The President also called for assistance in the "Destiny Garden" project that is being pursued in the Latvian town of Koknese. On 18 May at the University of Washington (UW), President Zatlers gave a speech on Latvia's perspective of the situation in the world. Prof. Christine Ingebritsen from Scandinavian Politics class, when giving the floor to President Zatlers, emphasised that under the current economic situation all countries are small and the U.S. should learn from small countries like Latvia. After the President's speech the students discussed the economic situation in Latvia, Latvia-Russia relations following Latvia's accession to NATO, and European Union issues President Zatlers had a separate meeting with the faculty and staff of the Department of Scandinavian Studies as well as with teachers and students of the Baltic Studies Program, learning the Latvian language, culture and history under the guidance of the visiting lecturer Iveta Grinberga and Assistant Professor Guntis Smidchens. The University of Washington is the only university in the U.S. offering full time studies of the Latvian language and culture. Leading representatives of the Baltic Studies Program noted that since 1994, the Latvian language studies have been accomplished by 132 students and added that this knowledge had secured them good jobs in the U.S. Gratitude was expressed to the Government of Latvia for support to the Baltic Studies Program and it was noted that the programme, 'a jewel of the University' currently marks its 15th anniversary. UW library can boast of 13,000 books, video and music records in Latvian. The major part of these has been donated by the Latvian community of the U.S. In addition, UW is also setting up a collection of Latvian choral music in digital format. The President of Latvia also had an opportunity to listen to a Latvian folksong Put vejini (Blow, ye wind), performed by the UW Chorale. In the city of Bellevue, in the presence of the Latvian community, President Zatlers met with Grant Deginger, the city mayor. Bellevue has been a sister city to Liepaja for 17 years. The President of Latvia conveyed greetings to residents of Bellevue from the mayor of Liepaja, Mr Sesks, and emphasised that an active co-operation can bridge the distance between the two cities. Mr Deginger on his part noted the successful partnership of both cities in organising exchange programmes. The Mayor presented President Zatlers with a symbolic key to the city, and accompanied him on a visit to an environmental education centre. On 19 May, President Zatlers visited Microsoft and met with its CEO Steve Ballmer. After the meeting, President Zatlers estimated their discussion as very fruitful. Both sides were interested in future co-operation projects and discussed the measures to be taken in the IT environment for the preservation of the world's small languages. President Zatlers pointed out that preservation of the Latvian language and the successful existence of the Latvian language on the Internet is highly important. Zatlers also said that he is very pleased that Latvia and Microsoft could launch several new joint projects in the near future. Also taking part in the discussion were the Minister of Culture, Ints Dalderis, and a representative from the Latvian President's State Language Commission, Andrejs Vasiljevs, who is also head of an IT company Tilde. During the visit to Microsoft, President Zatlers and the delegation the Latvian delegation also had the opportunity to get acquainted with health care projects that are being developed by the company, as well as research in future Microsoft technologies and innovative solutions. Later President Zatlers visited the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that has been providing support, for several years already, to the Tresais teva dels (Father's third son) project for the development of public libraries in Latvia. The project envisages the development of Latvia's public libraries in the ICT field by providing computers and software, and free of charge Internet services to 874 local government libraries in Latvia. On behalf of readers of Latvia's libraries, President Zatlers expressed gratitude to Sylvia Mathews Burwell, President of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's Global Development Program and noted that during 19th and 20th centuries, schools were the main culture centres, whereas today this role has been taken up by libraries. They influence people's habits and provide new opportunities for socialization. Ms Burwell acknowledged the commitment by the Government of Latvia to this project and pointed out that the results of the Latvian project encourage other countries involved ion the programme, for instance Vietnam and Bulgaria. The Foundation's representatives both highly appreciated the work by the implementing team and noted its excellent co-operation with library staff and local authorities. President's Chancery, 17 - 18 May 2009 Embassy of Latvia in Washington UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zayed Al Nahyan visits Latvia for the first time on an official visit On May 21, Valdis Dombrovskis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, held a meeting with His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). During the meeting Valdis Dombrovskis encouraged to develop economic cooperation of both countries in such areas as transit and logistics by emphasising the role of Latvia as region's transit centre linking northern Europe with Russia and CIS countries. HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan shared the view that the countries possess a potential for the development of economic cooperation and stressed geographical advantages of Latvia and development opportunities of Rīga airport. The Latvian Prime Minister emphasised Latvia's interest in attracting direct investment to Latvia, in developing tourism and trade contacts, as well as in promoting cooperation in the areas of renewable energy resources and education. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan informed that it is planned to appoint an ambassador of UAE to Latvia in order to enhance bilateral relations to a new level. It is also necesssary to arrange expert visits to discuss concrete cooperation projects. Both sides shared the view that it is important to develop the legal base of both countries, in particular in economic matters. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Valdis Dombrovskis also discussed the impacts of the global financial crisis on the UAE economy and maintained that collective actions are required based on the decisions adopted at the G-20 Summit. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan informed about the ambitious plans of the UAE to become the new global centre for development of renewable energy resources by offering to locate the Secretariat General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Masdar City. At the end of the meeting Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan invited the Latvian Prime Minister to visit the United Arab Emirates. Also on 21 May, as part of the UAE Foreign Minister's one-day official visit, a meeting was held between Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins. During their meeting, both ministers reviewed the perspective for the expansion of bilateral relations between the two countries. Minister Riekstins noted that Latvia values the UAE as a serious co-operation partner in the region, and emphasised the appointment of a non-resident ambassador of Latvia as an additional impetus towards the strengthening of the relations between the countries. During the meeting, Minister Riekstins accentuated the potential of economic co-operation with the UAE. Mr Riekstins noted that Latvia is interested in promoting its recognition in the UAE, which could in future become an important market for Latvia in the sectors like transit, tourism, food processing, as well as construction. The development of a wind park was highlighted as an additional possibility for economic co-operation. Within the framework of the discussion, the parties agreed upon a prospective visit by a delegation of Latvian business representatives to the UAE. Attention was devoted also to the introduction of eased travel regulations for Latvian nationals. Minister Riekstins noted that the number of Latvian tourists visiting the UAE over the recent years has considerably increased, and amounted to 10,000 last year. This is also facilitated by the airBaltic direct flights Riga – Dubai. The UAE Foreign Minister also briefed about the UAE's bid to host the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Masdar City. The Latvian side welcomed the UEA initiative, and informed that the Government is still to debate the issue. This is the first visit to Latvia by a UAE foreign minister, as well as by a senior official form a Gulf Region country. The Cabinet of Ministers, 21 May MFA, 19 – 21 May 2009
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins: the June meeting of the European Council will be the forum for a presentation on the EU Baltic Sea Region strategy which is most important for Latvia On 18 May, the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) meeting took place in Brussels, and was also attended by Latvia's Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins. Within the framework of the 18 May GAERC meeting, the defence and development co-operation ministers of EU member states also held meetings. The EU foreign ministers, in their preparation for the European Council meeting, which will take place from 18 – 19 June, have determined that the working agenda for discussion will contain institutional matters, a discussion on the financial and economic situation in the EU, preparations for the UN Climate Change Conference to take place this December in Copenhagen, as well as other topical foreign policy questions. The European Council will have to come to an agreement on a solution to the Treaty of Lisbon ratification process as well as on the nomination for the presidency of the European Commission. It is expected that the European Council will present the EU Baltic Sea Region strategy in June. In joining this discussion, Foreign Minister Riekstins emphasised that the European Council conclusions must take note of the progress achieved in the drafting of the interconnection for the Baltic energy market. In preparing for the EU – Russia Summit which will take place from 21 – 22 May this year in Khabarovsk, the EU foreign ministers agreed that in the negotiations with Russia, it is important to accentuate such issues as – negotiations on the new EU – Russia treaty, implementation of commitments in Georgia and a stabilisation of the frozen conflict, as well as questions to do with energy and various practical co-operation issues related to Russia's desire to join the World Trade Organisation, the prevention of protectionism in the Russian market and the finding of solutions to border crossing issues. In responding to recent events in Sri Lanka, the GAERC confirmed its conclusions, emphasising the necessity to find long-term solutions to security and to guarantee political stability, as well as to observe human rights issues and resolve the humanitarian crisis. The EU foreign ministers discussed the current state of matters in Moldova and Georgia, in light of EU support for democratic reforms. The foreign ministers also debated the actual state of affairs in Burma/Myanmar and in Iran, noting that the presidential elections in Iran are scheduled for 12 June, 2009. The joint session of foreign ministers and ministers of defence discussed EU military involvement in the operations ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina and ATALANTA off the coast of Somalia. On the evening of 18 May and on 19 May, the meeting of GAERC member state ministers for development plan to discuss the question of support for newly developing states in overcoming the present crisis. A discussion is planned on transatlantic co-operation development between Europe and the USA. The European Commission will inform member states on the status of negotiations on the economic co-operation agreements with Africa, Caribbean Sea, and Pacific Ocean nations, as well as the question of democratic government with a particular focus on dialogue as a critical component of policy. MFA, 18 May 2009
The High Council Meeting held between the Government of Latvia and the Foreign Investors Council in Latvia On May 22, the 13th High Council Meeting of the Government of Latvia and the Foreign Investors Council in Latvia (FICIL) was held. This year, it is ten years since the first high level meeting of the Government of Latvia and the FICIL, which took place on 1 June 1999. The dialogue of the Latvian Government and foreign investors is targeted at the improvement of business environment and the facilitation of foreign investments in Latvia. The annual meetings are attended by ministers, senior officials and the top management of the FICIL member companies, in charge of foreign investment in Latvia. In his address to the participants, Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis said: "Latvia's Government highly appreciates international experience and professional recommendations of foreign investors for enhancement of the business environment in Latvia which are of particular importance in view of the current challenges." Valdis Dombrovskis informed the foreign investors about the present macro-economic situation in Latvia, budget amendment process and implementation of the structural reforms as proposed by the Government. He stressed that the macro-economic development scenario envisages resumption of positive growth in the second part of 2010 when the world will also overcome the global economic crisis. The Prime Minister pointed out to the necessity for a more active crediting process which would significantly contribute to economic growth. With regard to the budget amendments, the Latvian Prime Minister informed they are to be adopted by mid-June. The amendments project medium-term reforms by taking into account the complicated internal and external situation which has caused adverse effects on budget revenues. Valdis Dombrovskis reassured that the Government would take all necessary measures aimed at ensuring stability of the financial sector. Mr Dombrovskis also informed about the structural reforms proposed in public administration, health care and education. "These reforms are not just a pre-condition for our international loan but also a necessity in order to optimise public administration, decrease Latvia's budget deficit and reduce administrative burdens for businesses," said Valdis Dombrovskis. "The Latvian Government is committed to further implement the programme for stabilisation of Latvia's economy and resumption of growth by providing targeted support to competitive and promising businesses, increasing labour productivity and creating new jobs," noted the Prime Minister. The above programme envisages that Latvia would join the euro zone by 2012. Regarding achievement of the Government in the area of business environment enhancements, Valdis Dombrovskis noted increased availability of highly qualified labour, reduced labour costs and improved infrastructure. He informed that almost 900 million EUR will be available for businesses and that the Government is committed to providing loan and guarantee mechanisms which would ensure availability of financial resources and competitiveness of companies. The Cabinet of Ministers, 22 May 2009
Latvia elected to the Commission on Sustainable Development On 18 May, Latvia was elected to the board of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Commission on Sustainable Development – CSD, effective from 2010 through 2013. The election took place during a management session of the ECOSOC in the United Nations building in New York. During the elections, seventeen CSD members were voted in: Algeria, Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Togo, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Thailand, Belarus, Latvia, The Bahamas, Panama, Peru, Denmark, France, The Netherlands, and Norway. The UN Commission on Sustainable Development is the functional arm of the 53 member state ECOSOC which was created at the 47th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations in December 1992 as the high level international forum for discussion on environment, social and economic issues and their influence on the development of a balanced society. Participation in the CSD by Latvia will provide an opportunity to participate in the decision-making process at the global level thus promoting development in such areas as sustainable consumption and production, forests and biological diversity. Latvia will be represented on the CSD by the Environment Ministry. MFA, 19 May 2009 Latvia establishes diplomatic relations with Suriname On 20 May 2009, at the Permanent Mission of Latvia to the United Nations in New York, diplomatic relations were established between the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of Suriname. Latvia thus continues to strengthen bilateral relations with the Latin American and Caribbean countries. A Joint Communiqué on establishing diplomatic relations between both countries on behalf of Latvia was signed by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Latvia to the UN in New York, Normans Penke, and, on behalf of Suriname, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Suriname, Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, Henry L. Mac Donald. The ambassadors of both countries expressed a confidence that the establishing of diplomatic relations will open the possibilities to develop co-operation between both countries, particularly economic co-operation and tourism, and will also promote the exchange of good practices in sustainable forest management. Latvia's relations with Suriname compliment the existing co-operation within the framework of the Economic Partnership Agreement concluded in October 2008 between the European Union and CARIFORUM states. Suriname has approximately 461,000 inhabitants and is to be found in the northern part of South America. Permanent Mission of the Republic of Latvia to the United Nations in New York, 21 May 2009 A book by a Latvian political scientist The System Made Me Do It: Corruption in Post-Communist Societies presented in Warsaw On 19 May in the Kosikow public library in Warsaw, the U.S. Embassy held the presentation of the Polish edition of a book Corruption in Post-Communist Societies by a notable political scientist, professor of the University of Latvia and the University of Illinois, Rasma Karklina. The book The System Made Me Do It: Corruption in Post-Communist Societies published in 2005 has so far been also issued in Latvian, Russian, Serbian and Bulgarian. Embassy of Latvia in Poland, 19 May 2009
LINKS: 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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