Resulting from the collaboration and consultations between Latvian and French Foreign Ministries, a Political Declaration on Strategic Partnership between Latvia and France has been elaborated, which will serve as a basis for the further advance of relations.

The current framework for bilateral relations is the Agreement between the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of France on Mutual Understanding, Friendship, and Co-operation, which was signed in 1993.

The new political declaration sets out opportunities to deepen the political dialogue, providing for annual consultations. The document also defines that the co-operation between Latvia and France should be broadened in such fields as economy, internal and external security, culture, and science, as well as youth policy and the protection of child rights.

"Latvia's integration into NATO and the European Union opened new co-operation opportunities for the historically friendly relations between Latvia and France. With this political declaration we wish to encourage an increasing number of new bilateral and multilateral contacts," says Minister Riekstins.  

On the basis of this document, in the nearest future an action plan will be harmonised for the implementation of specific co-operation projects. 

The political declaration will be signed by Ivars Godmanis, the Prime Minister of Latvia, and Francois Fillon, the Prime Minister of France, during his visit to Riga on 23 May. Prime Minister Fillon is visiting Latvia and a number of other EU member states with the aim of discussing France's priorities under its presidency of the EU, which is to commence on 1 July 2008.

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