June

Foreign Minister briefing on CBSS Summit agenda

On 2 June, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins held a press conference, where he informed about the Summit of the Council of the Baltic Sea States taking place on 3 and 4 June in Riga and the priorities of the Latvian presidency at the CBSS. Mr Riekstins voiced the opinion that new forms of co-operation in the region should be debated and considered within the format of the CBSS.

Foreign Minister condemns attack on Danish Embassy in Pakistan

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Maris Riekstins, condemns the terrorist attack on the Danish Embassy in Pakistan that took place on 2 June and expresses solidarity with Denmark. The Foreign Minister conveys his regret about the civilian lives lost in the act.

7th Summit of Baltic Sea State Heads of Government underway

On 3-4 June Riga will host the 7^th Baltic Sea State Heads of Government Summit, which will gather together in one place the prime ministers of 11 states - Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Russia, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Finland, Germany and Sweden, as well as representatives of the European Commission, to consider the future of the region and to come to an agreement on the reform of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) organisation. This will bring to a close Latvia's presidency of the CBSS, lasting from 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008. The presidency will now be taken over from Latvia by Denmark.

Latvia-Russia future co-operation to be discussed at Foreign Ministry with Russian representatives

Meetings with Vladimir Titov, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, are scheduled to take place at the Foreign Ministry on 3 June. Deputy Minister Titov will arrive in Riga to participate in the Summit of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) as a member of the Russian delegation.

Latvian Foreign Minister and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister discuss current bilateral relations

On 3 June 2008, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins met with the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Titov to discuss the development of bilateral relations and current international politics.

Baltic Sea State officials to deliberate on future of region and CBSS reform

On 4 June, the working session of the 7^th Baltic Sea States Summit will be held, the agenda of which will include issues of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) reform, the future of the region, the accomplishments of the Latvian presidency, and a debate on the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. At the close of the session, the CBSS reform declaration will be adopted and the session's conclusions will be accepted.

French Ambassador on farewell visit to meet with Maris Riekstins

On 5 June Andre-Jean Libourel, the French Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Latvia, is to meet Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins on a farewell visit.

State Secretary Normans Penke and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister discuss further development of bilateral relations

On 3 June 2008, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Normans Penke met with Vladimir Titov, the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation. The meeting focused on the key issues in bilateral co-operation and a number of current international developments.

Future priorities of Baltic Sea Region: environment, economy, energy, education, culture, and civil security

On 4 June 2008, the Baltic Sea States Heads of Government Summit working session adopted a declaration on the reform of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), in which the long-term priorities of the organisation are defined, and a document of the chairman's conclusions that reflects CBSS accomplishments and activities under the Latvian presidency. Future prospects in the priority areas are also defined.

Experts from Advisory Committee of Framework Convention for Protection of National Minorities visit Latvia

Between 9 – 13 June, experts from the Advisory Committee of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities will stay on a working visit in Latvia, with the aim of acquainting themselves with the implementation in Latvia of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to discuss South Caucasus topicalities with U.S. Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary of State

On 10 June, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins will meet with Matthew J. Bryza, U.S. Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs to discuss the situation in Georgia and other related current processes/events in the Southern Caucasus region.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to meet new Ambassador of France, Pascal Fieschi

On 11 June, the new Ambassador of the Republic of France to the Republic of Latvia, Pascal Fieschi, is to arrive on an accreditation visit to Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins. At the meeting it is intended to review the future perspective of bilateral relations between Latvia and France, as well as the priorities of the upcoming French EU Presidency for the second half this year.

Latvia's first development co-operation project in Afghanistan completed

On 29 May, a Latvia-financed development co-operation project in Afghanistan came to a close[1]. Within the framework of the project, a spring water storage and supply system was installed in three villages - Sayed Kojan, Dalan, and Khoshbay – of the Almar district in Faryab Province. Troops of the Latvian National Armed Forces (NAF) are also stationed in Faryab Province.

EU-U.S. Summit held in Brdo

Latvia regards highly the EU–U.S. Summit taking place in Brdo on 10 June. The concluding documents of the Summit reflect Latvia's crucial interests in the transatlantic dialogue. When preparing for the Summit, Latvia was in support of co-operation related to processes in the EU's eastern neighbour countries and in Central Asia, as well as the forging of a unified stand in relations with Russia.

Maris Riekstins in conversation with Matthew J. Bryza stresses Latvia's determination to support democratic reform process in Georgia

On 10 June, a meeting took place between Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Matthew J. Bryza, U.S. Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs. The officials reviewed the situation in the South Caucasus, especially the current events in Georgia.

Latvia establishes diplomatic relations with Kosovo

On 10 June, through the exchange of notes, Latvia has established diplomatic relations with Kosovo. The Government of Latvia recognised the independence of Kosovo on 20 February 2008, on the basis of the conclusions adopted by the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) and the Kosovo declaration of independence.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to take part in International Conference in Support of Afghanistan

On 12 June, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will take part in the International Conference in Support of Afghanistan, which is to be held in Paris, France. Minister Riekstins is to deliver an address and to provide information about Latvia's contribution to the rebuilding of Afghanistan.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and new Ambassador of France discuss Latvia's interests within French EU Presidency

On 11 June, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with the new Ambassador of the Republic of France to the Republic of Latvia, Pascal Fieschi, to discuss the co-operation to date between both countries and development opportunities in various fields.

Foreign Minister reaffirms Latvia's commitment to facilitate stability in Afghanistan

On 12 June, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins took part in the International Conference in Support of Afghanistan in Paris, France, during which the Foreign Minister provided information about Latvia's contribution to the strengthening of security in Afghanistan both within the framework of international operations and through implementation of bilateral development co-operation projects.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to take part in meeting of General Affairs and External Relations Council

On 16 June, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will participate in the meeting of General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) taking place in Luxembourg.

Foreign Ministry announcement about results of Irish referendum on Treaty of Lisbon

On 12 June in the Republic of Ireland, a referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon proposing amendments to the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty establishing the European Community took place. The results indicate that Irish voters have rejected the Treaty of Lisbon.

Convention between Latvia and Italy on the avoidance of double taxation comes into effect

On 16 June, during the meeting between the Ambassador of Latvia to Italy, Astra Kurme and Valerio Augusto Astraldi, Minister Plenipotentiary, Head of the Diplomatic, Legal and Contractual Department, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy, the instruments of ratification were exchanged for The Convention between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Republic of Italy for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital, and for the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion, and its Protocol, as well as for the 2004 amendments to the Convention and its Protocol.

EU foreign ministers prepare for European Council meeting of 19-20 June

On 16 June, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins participated in the meeting of the European Union General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) in Luxembourg. In the focus of its attention were preparations for the meeting of the Heads of Government of the EU countries – the European Council on 19 and 20 June in Brussels.

Latvia-Israel political consultations in Riga

Regular political consultations between Latvia and Israel took place in Riga on 16 June. From the Latvian side the talks were led by Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary of State Edgars Skuja, whereas Pinchas Avivi, the Israeli Foreign Ministry Deputy Director-General, headed the Israeli side. The consultations covered the current events in bilateral relations, as well as issues concerning both the Baltic and the Mediterranean Sea regions.

Chinese Ambassador on farewell visit to Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins

On 17 June, Zhang Limin, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Latvia, is to meet with Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins as part of his farewell visit.

Latvian Ambassador presents Letter of Credence to Egyptian President

On 16 June, Maris Selga, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia presented his Letter of Credence to President Muhammad Hosni Mubarak of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Foreign Ministry holds annual training in economics issues for representatives of Latvia abroad

From 16 to 20 June, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in association with the Ministry of Economy and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), is holding its annual training for diplomats in charge of economic matters in Latvia's embassies and for LIAA representatives abroad.

Collaboration in education to be reviewed in Baltic, Nordic, and Central Asian state political consultations

Political consultations between the Baltic, Nordic, and Central Asian states are being held in Riga on 17 June. Pierre Morel, the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, is also taking part in the talks. The objective of the political consultations is to examine the prospects for co-operation between Baltic, Nordic, and Central Asian states, focusing on collaboration in education.

Hassan Gashghavi, Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Iran on farewell visit to Latvia

On 17 June, Hassan Gashghavi, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, is on a farewell visit to Latvia. The Ambassador is to meet with Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary of State, Edgars Skuja.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to take part in European Council meeting

On 19 and 20 June, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will head the delegation of Latvia in the current meeting of the European Council in Brussels, which is the last meeting within the Slovenian EU Presidency. From 1 July, the functions of the EU presiding state are to be assumed by France.

Foreign Minister stresses necessity to facilitate political dialogue between Baltic and Nordic countries, and Central Asian countries

On 17 June, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with Pierre Morel, the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia.

Foreign Ministry announcement on decision by Russian Federation to abolish visa regime to a part of Latvia's population

The Foreign Ministry has been monitoring a debate in the Russian State Duma on a decision by the Russian Federation to abolish the visa regime for non-citizens of Latvia. The Foreign Ministry has already previously expressed the opinion that at present, while the EU and the Russian Federation are holding talks as part of the visa dialogue on setting up relaxed requirements for mutual travel, such a decision, which concerns only a part of the population, will not facilitate further development of the EU-Russian Federation dialogue.

Annual training concluded for diplomats in charge of economics matters

From 16 to 20 June in Riga, the annual training took place for those diplomats of the Republic of Latvia in with responsibility for economic matters and for representatives abroad of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA).

EU Member States agree on measures to mitigate effects of food and oil price increase

On 19 and 20 June a meeting of the European Council took place in Brussels, where the Latvian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins.

Foreign Ministry condemns actions against Latvian Ambassador to Russia

The Foreign Ministry condemns the unjustified actions during a press conference on 25 June targeted against Latvian Ambassador to Russia Andris Teikmanis by Russia-based radical groups.

Facts in the case of Adamsons v. Latvia

Third political consultations between Latvia and Egypt to be held in Riga

On 26 June, the third political consultations between the Republic of Latvia and the Arab Republic of Egypt will be held in Riga.

Latvian Ambassador Andris Razans presents Letter of Credence to Secretary of State of Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Co-operation

On 25 June 2008, Andris Razans, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia presented his credentials to Latifa Akherbach, Secretary of State to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Co-operation in the Kingdom of Morocco.

Training for Latvian embassy diplomats on EU matters

On 25 and 26 June the Foreign Ministry is holding training on EU issues for diplomats of Latvian embassies. The training is aimed at enhancing embassy participation in the discussion of topical EU issues and also at improving the representation and clarification of Latvia's interests in EU Member States and beyond.

European Court of Human Rights to hear case Andrejeva v. Latvia

On 25 June, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (the Court) will be holding the hearing of the case Andrejeva v. Latvia.

Foreign Minister extends condolences to the people of the Philippines

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins has offered his deepest sympathies to the people of the Philippines by sending a letter of condolence to Alberto Romulo, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, with regard to the deaths and devastation caused by Typhoon Fengshen, as well as in relation to the shipwreck of the Princess of the Stars ferry in the wake of the typhoon, which claimed several hundred lives.

European Court of Human Rights has heard the case Andrejeva v. Latvia

On 25 June, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (the Court) heard the case of Andrejeva v. Latvia.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins in discussion with Ukrainian Foreign Minister underscores Latvia's support to Euroatlantic integration of Ukraine

On 25 June, as part of the visit to Ukraine by President Valdis Zatlers of Latvia, Foreign minister Maris Riekstins met with Volodymir Ogryzko, Foreign Minister of Ukraine.

EU Reflection Group leaders meet in Riga

On 26 June this year, the leaders of the so called Reflection Group on the future of the European Union until 2020-2030 met at the Ridzene Hotel in Riga.

Latvia's representative supports active EU involvement in Georgia's democratic reform processes and in conflict resolution

On 25 June, the Political Director of the Foreign Ministry, Peteris Ustubs, took part in the Warsaw meeting of the New Group of Georgia's Friends (Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Sweden).

1993 Agreement on customs border posts extended between Governments of Latvia and of Russian Federation

On 25 June in Moscow, Andris Drulle, Director of the National Customs Board of the State Revenue Service, and Andrey Belyaninov, Head of the Federal Customs Service of Russia, signed a protocol between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Russian Federation with regard to the extension of the 2 June 1993 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Russian Federation on Control in Customs Border Posts.

State Secretary Normans Penke discusses current political issues with Johannes Kyrle, Secretary General of the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs

On 26 June in Riga, political consultations were held between Latvia and Austria, chaired on the Latvian side by Normans Penke, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and on the Austrian side – by Johannes Kyrle, Secretary General of the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria.

Foreign Minister to hold press conference on current events in foreign policy

On 27 June at 3.30 pm, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will hold a press conference in the Ministry premises, which will focus on the latest events in foreign policy, including the meeting of the European Council of 19-20 June in Brussels and the state visit to Ukraine by President Valdis Zatlers.

European Union and Russian Federation summit takes place

On 26-27 June, the summit meeting of European Union and Russia took place in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins informs journalists of latest developments in Latvia's foreign policy

On 27 June, Latvian Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins held a press conference, during which he informed those present of the most significant recent foreign policy events and also about events planned for the near future.