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.

Latvia-Israel bilateral co-operation is developing intensively in many fields: regular high-level exchange visits take place, parliamentary co-operation groups collaborate successfully, and the legal framework is being broadened systematically. Both states see potential in economic contacts. The trade turnover between Latvia and Israel has grown rapidly over the recent years, and both states wish to advance this further. Latvia sees co-operation potential in the areas of investment, IT, and innovation.

The two states are gradually establishing closer contacts in culture and education. Regular exchanges of cultural events (concerts, exhibitions, and cinema) take place; student exchange between Latvian and Israeli higher education institutions has also been initiated.

In addressing the prospects for further contacts, both sides agreed that work in the above fields should continue. At the discussion on regional issues, Latvia provided information on its co-operation with states of the European Neighbourhood Policy and with Russia, whereas the Israeli delegation briefed on the present situation in the Middle East Peace Process, Iran's nuclear programme, and Israel's contacts with the states of the Mediterranean Sea Region.

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