At their meeting on 9 April Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed satisfaction with the dynamic nature of bilateral relations between the two countries, and were of one opinion that regional co-operation should be reinforced.

During the visit, Minister Riekstins briefed his German counterpart on the current news of the Latvia's presidency of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), including the summit of CBSS member state heads of government, which is due to take place in Riga on 3-4 June.

As to the Treaty of Lisbon, both sides expressed the hope that it will be successfully ratified in all EU member states and will enter into force when expected - on 1 January 2009. The officials also acknowledged that the debate on the operation of EU institutions should be continued after the adoption of the Treaty. Similarly, when the implementation of the Treaty of Lisbon takes place, great attention should be paid to issues that concern the establishment of the European External Action Service.

The ministers also talked about current issues of international politics, including the NATO summit in Bucharest, which took place from 2 to 4 April. Mr Riekstins informed about Latvia's contribution to the European Neighbourhood Policy, with special emphasis on the reinforcement of relations with Ukraine and Georgia.

At the meeting with Christoph Heusgen, the Advisor for Foreign and Security Policy to the Federal Chancellor, the officials discussed current developments in international politics. The conversation focused on Latvia's presidency of the CBSS and the reform process at the organisation. Minister Riekstins noted that presently, five priorities of major significance for the future operation of the CBSS have been highlighted: energy, environment, economy, and civil security. Mr Riekstins also expressed a hope that Germany will actively engage in the reform process of the organisation.

At the close of the visit, the Latvian Foreign Minister took part at the opening of the exhibition Geld in Lettland. Geschihte und Gegenwart (Money in Latvia. History and Today). The exhibition is being held as part of Essentia Baltica 2008, the German-Baltic year of culture.

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Press conference of Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9xiVYVOCoI (video file in German)