Highlights Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins emphasises significance of European-Asian dialogue for strengthening stability, economic prosperity and security in the world Foreign Minister Riekstins: under global financial and economic crisis it is important to facilitate openness of international markets Andris Teikmanis and State Secretary of Swedish Prime Minister's Office discuss EU future Strategy for Baltic Sea Region
In brief The Saeima deputies take part at session of NATO Parliamentary Assembly High level working group discusses concrete solutions to stimulate economic activity in Latvia
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins emphasises significance of European-Asian dialogue for strengthening stability, economic prosperity and security in the world On 25 May 2009, 9th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Foreign Ministers' Meeting opened in Hanoi. During the first day of the event the ASEM foreign ministers discussed co-operation opportunities for handling the global financial and economic crisis, as well as exchanged opinions on current regional developments in Europe and Asia. Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins addressed the ASEM foreign ministers about the development of the EU policies in the field of foreign relations and about benefits yielded by the recently established Eastern Partnership to the EU neighbouring countries in Eastern Europe and South Caucasus. Minister Riekstins placed a special emphasis on new association agreements, a closer co-operation in the field of energy security as well as visa liberalisation for the member countries of the partnership. The minister presented his perception on the current political and economic situation in the partnership countries at the time when the global economic and financial crisis threatens democracy in Ukraine and in Moldova. Minister Riekstins also stressed that the political instability in Georgia as well as the unresolved frozen conflicts, including the issue of Nagorno Karabakh, affect security and stability both in Europe and in Asia. "The European-Asian dialogue on topical political processes has a vital significance for the promotion, by joint efforts, of security, stability and economic prosperity also beyond the borders of the European Union and Asia," the Latvian Foreign Minister noted. Within the framework of their discussion, the ministers of the EU and Asian countries shared the opinion that the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan has a significant impact on global security. Foreign ministers reviewed recent events in Sri Lanka, Burma (Myanmar) as well as the threat to the situation in the Korean Peninsula after the nuclear test performed by North Korea. The ministers exchanged opinions regarding the situation in the Middle East, expressing their support to a two-country solution. Taking part in the discussion on co-operation for coping with the global economic and financial downturn was Akira Ariyoshi, Director of the International Monetary Fund's Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, who noted that global output was expected to increase only very gradually over 2010. Certain risks however existed which could delay the stabilisation of the situation, for instance, the developments in the banking situation in Europe. In their discussion, the ministers stressed that countries, by working together and opposing protectionism could better succeed in overcoming the crisis. On the second day of the Asian and European foreign ministers' meeting, a discussion has been planned on the ASEM co-operation facing modern-day challenges, for instance climate change, infectious diseases and energy security. Within the framework of the event, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins is to meet with foreign ministers of Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam on bilateral basis. On 26 May, at the conclusion of the ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Hanoi, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with Pham Gia Khiem, Foreign Minister of Vietnam, the host country. During their discussion the ministers reviewed Latvian-Vietnamese co-operation both on bilateral basis and within the framework of international organisations, the outcomes of the ASEM meeting and the forthcoming meeting of the European Union and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Cambodia from 27 to 29 March. Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins observed that the accreditation, on 3 March this year, of Latvia's first non-resident Ambassador to Vietnam, Ingrida Levrence, residing in China, was a significant step for the strengthening of bilateral co-operation. Both sides discussed also possibilities for the appointment of a Honorary Consul of Latvia in Vietnam, in order to promote closer contacts between various sectors. The Foreign Minister of Latvia noted the co-operation between Latvia and Vietnam in the field of culture, mentioning as a positive example the screening of the Latvian feature film Rigas sargi (Defenders of Riga) at the Asia Europe Film Festival in Hanoi last week. "I am glad that the film has earned good reviews in Vietnam," indicated the Foreign Minister. As part of the meeting, Foreign Minister Riekstins also emphasised that Latvia's universities were open for co-operation with Vietnam and the Asian region, referring to the successful contacts established to date between the education misters of both countries. The diplomatic relations between Latvia and Vietnam were established on 12 December 1992. On 26 May, on the sidelines of the ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with the Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Noer Hassan Wirajuda. This was the first bilateral meeting of foreign ministers in the history of diplomatic relations between Latvia and Indonesia. Foreign Minister Riekstins proposed to develop Latvia-Indonesia co-operation by organising political consultations between the foreign ministries of both countries as well as by encouraging entrepreneurs to take advantage of co-operation opportunities with Indonesia. The ministers agreed that the establishment of a legal framework has a vital importance for the strengthening of economic co-operation. With regard to this, the Latvian side expressed its interest to conclude with Indonesia an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion. The foreign ministers of Latvia and Indonesia noted with satisfaction the successful co-operation between both countries in the field of culture and education, highlighting in particular the days of Indonesian handicrafts and culture which took place on 16 May in the Museum of Foreign Art in Riga, as well as a seminar dedicated to Indonesia in the University of Latvia in April and a guest lecture by an Indonesian professor in the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga. The ministers noted that both the Embassy of Indonesia in Stockholm and the Latvian honorary consuls Ayub Junus in Djakarta and Jahja Santoso in Bandung have made their contribution to the promotion of bilateral contacts between the countries. Latvia and Indonesia established diplomatic relations on 25 August 1993. Latvia has not appointed an ambassador to Indonesia, whereas the Ambassador of Indonesia to Latvia is Linggawaty Hakim, residing in Stockholm, Sweden. On 25 May, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Kasit Piromya. Their meeting took place within the framework of the ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam. The foreign ministers of Latvia and Thailand discussed the possibilities for the development of a political and an economic dialogue between both countries as well as a dialogue in other sectors. "Thailand is the main destination for Latvian tourists in Asia, and the number of visitors could increase if the Thai side considered possibilities for further alleviation of travel regulations for Latvia's tourists," Foreign Minister Riekstins emphasised. During the meeting, the ministers also discussed the strengthening of the legal framework and expressed readiness to conclude in the nearest future a Latvia-Thailand agreement for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion. The ministers shared the opinion that the establishment of a legal framework has a vital importance for the strengthening of economic co-operation. The Foreign Minister of Thailand noted the role of the capital city Bangkok as a hub for regional co-operation, and invited to seek new vectors of co-operation both in the public and private sector. Minister Piromya highlighted pharmacy and the production of medical products, and also science and research as prospective bilateral co-operation sectors in which Thailand appreciates Latvia's expertise. Both ministers agreed about further consultations at the expert level on practical possibilities for such co-operation. Diplomatic relations between Latvia and Thailand were established on 19 March 1992. Since 1994, Latvia's interests in Thailand are represented by Honorary Consul Prasong Chongratanakul, whereas Thailand is represented in Latvia by Ambassador Jullapong Nonsrichai residing in Oslo, Norway. Read | Other link | Other link | Other link | Other link MFA, 25 – 26 May 2009
Foreign Minister Riekstins: under global financial and economic crisis it is important to facilitate openness of international markets On 28 May, during the Foreign Ministers Meeting of the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins took part in the ministers' discussion on global financial crisis, its impact upon the economies of the European and Asian countries as well as national, regional and international scale measures for a rapid stabilisation of the financial situation. In his statement, Minister Riekstins emphasised the importance of co-operation within international community, including the co-ordination of decisions taken by national governments with the economic revitalisation plans by international organizations, in order to apply joint efforts for the stabilisation of the global economic situation. Mr Riekstins accentuated that given the unprecedented scale of the current financial crisis in all countries, the decisions adopted by the international community, including those within the G8 or G20 format, should be based upon as comprehensive consultations as possible with the maximum number of partners, in order to avoid the legitimacy of those decisions being disputed. The reality is that the present crisis did not originate in the countries some of which currently feel its impact most acutely, said Minister Riekstins. At the same time, the Latvian Foreign Minister pointed out that in the current situation it is essential to be aware that protectionism tendencies in certain countries can only aggravate the global crisis, and consequently all the parties concerned should advocate the openness of international markets as well as achieve progress with the Doha Development Round negotiations of the World Trade Organisation. Minister Riekstins noted the necessity to stimulate the financial market and public trust in decisions taken by international organizations and governments for the stabilization of economy. The 17th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting on 27-28 May 2009 reviewed current processes in the European Union and in the region of South East Asia, as well as the implementation of the ASEAN-EU Plan Action for 2009-2010 and future co-operation, including in fight against terrorism and human trafficking, on non-traditional threats to security, in the field of energy and food safety, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, as well as climate change and environmental protection. MFA, 28 May 2009 The 17th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting
Andris Teikmanis and State Secretary of Swedish Prime Minister's Office discuss EU future Strategy for Baltic Sea Region On 27 May, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andris Teikmanis, met with the State Secretary for the European Union at the Office of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sweden, Maria Asenius, in order to discuss the issues related to the development of the forthcoming EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (Strategy) and the preparations for Sweden's EU Presidency. During the meeting, the Foreign Ministry Secretary of State assessed in positive terms the contribution by Sweden to the elaboration of the Strategy and the exchange of opinions among the interested parties, as well as expressed hope that the Strategy and its Action Plan will be approved during the Swedish EU Presidency starting 1 July. Mr Teikmanis and Ms Asenius had an in-depth discussion regarding the vision by Latvia and Sweden on the administration, implementation, funding and a regular update of the Strategy Action Plan. The energy and competitiveness aspects of the Strategy in their turn were debated when the State Secretary to the Swedish Prime Minister's Office met with the Minister for Economy, Artis Kampars. As part of her visit, State Secretary Asenius took part in a debate on the Strategy, organised by the Foreign Ministry with the Latvian political scientists and representatives of stakeholders in order to provide an insight into the vision of Latvia's NGO sector regarding the measures of the Strategy. The agreement regarding the development of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region was reached at the European Council of December 2007. The goal of the document is to co-ordinate the efforts by the region's EU Member States, the Baltic regional Organisations, financial institutions, NGOs and stakeholders towards the promotion of a balanced development in the Baltic Sea macroregion. The draft Strategy and its Action Plan prepared by the European Commission are scheduled to be published in June this year. MFA, 27 May 2009
The Saeima deputies take part in session of NATO Parliamentary Assembly The Saeima representatives participated in the Spring Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, which took place on May 22-26 in Oslo, the capital of Norway. As pointed out by Ms Vaira Paegle, head of the Latvian delegation to NATO PA, this session was significant due to the fact that the work of the NATO-Russia parliamentary Committee was resumed for the first time after the Georgian conflict. Two key issues were considered – the situation in the High North and the proposal by President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev regarding new European security architecture. Also during the spring session discussions were continued on the situation and operations in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Georgia and other countries. The participants welcomed heads of Parliaments of the two new NATO member countries, Albania and Croatia, who addressed the plenary session. When speaking about the organisation of NATO PA sessions in future, the Standing Committee agreed that given the global economic situation, it is important to give a careful consideration to the reduction of costs and cost efficiency in the work of NATO PA. Ms Paegle notes that this discussion is meaningful for Latvia as the country responsible for hosting the NATO PAs Spring Session in 2010 in Riga. The NATO PA sessions take place twice a year – in spring and in autumn. A session is an important event for this international organisation, and is organised in all NATO member countries in rotation order. At present, Latvia is one of the last member countries which have not hosted a session yet. The Saeima, 26 May 2009 High level working group discusses concrete solutions to stimulate economic activity in Latvia On 28 May, 2009, the first sitting of the high level working group took place; the working group was created on the initiative of the Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis in order to discuss the short-, middle- and long-term development of Latvia, as well as to overcome the current economic situation in the country and to undertake a fundamental revision of the economic structure and competiveness. The working group concerned the main blocks of problems faced by the Latvian economy, the social aspects of the economic downturn and austerity measures, the instruments for economic stimulus, as well as the key aspects in advancing competitiveness of the economy of Latvia. During the first sitting, experts and the Prime Minister discussed issues related to the possible solutions for micro-enterprise support programmes in Latvia, the efficiency of enforcing public-private partnership legislation, as well as the taxation policy that would support safeguarding of employment and prevent expansion of the so-called grey zone of the economy. The experts admitted that other EU Member States had also lived through situation similar to that of Latvia, and the country could now take advantage of their experience and knowledge of overcoming crisis. The working group members who participated in today's sitting were as follows – Vesa Vihriala, Under-Secretary, Economic Affairs, Finland, Alain Madelin, former French Minister of Economy and Finance, Leo Blaabjerg Sorensen, Advisor to Royal Unibrew, Denmark, Bengt Dennis, former head of Riksbank, currently Advisor to East Capital Investment Group, Sweden, and Christian H.M. Ketels, Researcher of the Stockholm School of Economics and the Strategy and Competitiveness Institute of Harvard University, Sweden. It is planned that such sittings of the working group will take place once in a quarter. A precise date for the next meeting has not yet been announced. The Cabinet of Ministers, 27 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 |
|
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
