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On 7 July, as part of his working visit to Hungary, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will participate in the opening of the Embassy of Latvia in Hungary. The Embassy has been established in accordance with the Foreign Ministry programme to expand its network of diplomatic and consular representations. Since February, Veronika Erte has been carrying out duties as the first resident Ambassador of Latvia to Hungary.
During his visit, Foreign Minister Riekstins will meet with the Hungarian Foreign Minister, Kinga Göncz to discuss bilateral relations between countries and their future prospects, as well as current developments in the European Union and issues regarding NATO enlargement.
Minister Riekstins is to open a Latvia-Hungary business seminar with the participation of Latvian entrepreneurs. During the seminar, it is intended to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding between the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia and Hungarian Investment and Trade Development Agency.
From 8 to 9 July, Mr Riekstins will be on a working visit to Kosovo, where he will meet with the highest officials: President Fatmir Sejdiu, Prime Minister Hashim Thaci, and Foreign Minister Skender Hyseni. Latvian and Kosovan officials will talk about the development of bilateral relations, including Latvia's possible assistance to Kosovan institutions during the process of their establishment, and will also review the current situation in Kosovo and the Western Balkans.
As part of the visit, Minister Riekstins is scheduled to meet also with the heads of Kosovo missions of numerous international institutions, with the aim of debating the involvement of international powers in this state.
The Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs will visit Latvian troops serving in KFOR, the NATO-led peace-keeping forces. Latvia has participated in this mission in Kosovo since 1999. Latvian contingent operates in Pristina as part of the multi-national brigade Centre; currently 19 soldiers of the Latvian Armed Forces are serving in KFOR.
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