Foreign Minister Pabriks: Improving co-operation with NGOs will reduce public estrangement from government

On 19 March 2007, Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks signed a co-operation agreement with the Civil Alliance Latvia, the European Movement in Latvia, the Club Maja - Youth for a United Europe, and the Centre for Public Policy Providus, on the exchange of information and the co-ordination of various joint projects on EU matters. Minister Pabriks expressed the hope that the expansion of co-operation with non-governmental organizations will reduce the public's estrangement from the government, will raise public awareness of foreign affairs and will promote mutual understanding.

The President of the European Movement in Latvia, Andris Gobins, emphasized that the signing of the agreement with the Foreign Ministry serves as a positive example for other ministries to develop co-operation with non-governmental organizations.

The President of the Club Maja - Youth for a United Europe, Inga Ulmane, indicated the existing successful co-operation and expressed the willingness to enhance co-operation in educating the Latvian youth.

The Director of the Civil Alliance Latvia, Rasma Pipike, expressed the hope that the signing of the agreement will promote the exchange of information not only in Riga but also in Brussels and will develop co-operation on a higher level.

Ms Dace Akule, a representative from the Centre for Public Policy Providus, suggested that the exchange of information on various events should be enhanced and noted the need to make joint efforts in reducing the community's sceptical attitude to the European Union.

The purpose of the agreement is to promote the exchange of information and opinions on EU issues within the Foreign Ministry's competence, to co-ordinate public information activities on opportunities to participate in the EU decision-making process, and to work together on the projects related to informing the general public on EU issues.

Other non-governmental organisations and societies whose activities are closely related with those EU issues in the competence of the Foreign Ministry will also be able sign the agreement.

(end of text)