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.

Minister Riekstins briefed the U.S. side on Latvia's initiatives in support of Georgia, including the successful collaboration between the central election commissions of both states, as well as the visit to Tbilisi, proposed by the Latvian Foreign Minister, that was made by a number of EU member state foreign ministers and led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, the presiding state of the EU.    

Both sides agreed that Latvia's successful reform experience is very significant to Georgia in its process of democratization and course towards Euro-Atlantic integration. "In the future, Latvia will also be ready to actively share its experience with Georgia in the realisation of the NATO Membership Action Plan and the progress of other reforms."  

The agenda of the talks also included the issue of future progress towards the resolution of the conflict of Abkhazia and a broader participation by the international community in encouraging dialogue between Georgia and Russia. Mr Bryza mentioned that the issue of Abkhazia is a key point of discussion in the agenda of the EU-U.S. Summit, which is presently taking place in Slovenia.    

At part of his visit to Latvia, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs is also scheduled to meet with Kaspars Gerhards, the Minister of Economics, with the aim of discussing current energy issues; as well as with the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Saeima; the President's Chancery, and representatives of LATO (Latvian Transatlantic Organisation). Mr Bryza will take part in a seminar on the dynamics of internal and foreign policy and prospects for the Euro-Atlantic integration of Georgia.    

(end of text)