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.

During the press conference, Mr Riekstins informed journalists about the European Council meeting which took place on 19 and 20 June, in which one of the most important discussion topics related to progress on ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon by member states of the European Union (EU), and in particular, the situation following the referendum in Ireland.

The Foreign Minister also mentioned discussions held during the European Council meeting on limiting the rise in prices of food and oil, as well as on the issue of tax policy in Europe. Mr Riekstins emphasised that as regards support for farmers, Latvia had managed to achieve the inclusion in the European Council final document a reference to achieving and securing fair competition conditions for all farmers in the EU.

The Foreign Minister also briefed the journalists about the European Commission's offer of increasing funding as part of the assistance programme for the least financially secure persons and also about the European Commission's planned support to the fisheries sector, and mentioned another matter discussed at the European Council meeting, namely, that in the distribution of future offices or agencies of EU institutions throughout the member states, priority should be given to the newest EU member states.

Foreign Minister Riekstins also spoke of the visit by Latvian President Valdis Zatlers to Ukraine, which took place between 25-27 June. The Minister underscored that during the visit the Latvian side had expressed strong support for Ukraine's efforts towards achieving Euro-Atlantic integration. The Ukrainian and Latvian business forums held concurrently with the visit had given a new impetus to promoting contacts between businesspeople of both countries.

In relation to major plans for the immediate future, Mr Riekstins advised of the fourth annual conference of Latvia's Honorary Consuls, which is to take place on 3-4 July, and which is to be attended by 82 Honorary Consuls from all over the world. The Minister also informed journalists of his official visit to Hungary on 7 July, during which the Latvian Embassy in Budapest will be officially opened.

A visit to Kosovo by the Latvian Foreign Minister has been planned for July, and Mr Riekstins reiterated Latvia's intention to support the state institutions of Kosovo in their foundation process.

With reference to the Foreign Ministry's support for civil reconstruction projects in Afghanistan, Mr Riekstins was pleased to note the completion on 29 May of the Latvian financed water supply project in the Faryab Province. The Minister also announced a new initiative – an experience exchange between women entrepreneurs from Afghanistan and Latvia, which is being implemented under the auspices of co-operation between the Foreign Ministry, the Lidere Association of Public Organisations, and the private sector.

The Foreign Minister emphasised the role of Latvia's Civil Advisor to Afghanistan, noting that Foreign Ministry staff member Rudolfs Bremanis replaced the previous incumbent Peteris Veits in the summer of this year.

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