Foreign Minister and new Russian Ambassador discuss enhancement of bilateral legal framework

On 13 February Alexander Veshnyakov, the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Latvia, made an introductory visit to Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins in order to discuss current issues in Latvia-Russia bilateral relations and the continuing of constructive co-operation.  

Both parties commended the Latvia-Russia Border Treaty coming into force, as well as the visits of high-ranking officials and signing of bilateral agreements, which took place last year. The Foreign Minister pointed out that these developments are a good basis for achieving the next objectives in bilateral relations – solving practical issues in the Latvia-Russia Inter-governmental Commission, preparation of significant draft agreements, and dialogue between officials at various levels.  

Mr Riekstins mentioned that the Latvian side has begun to assemble the Latvia-Russia Border Demarcation Commission and stressed that it is crucial for it to commence operation already this year.   

The Foreign Minister also touched upon Latvia's presidency at the Council of the Baltic Sea States, and the summit of the prime ministers of the organisation's member states, which is due to take place in Riga this June. 

At the close of the meeting, Ambassador Veshnyakov expressed a wish to continue the existing pace of the development of relations and to resolve bilateral issues in a pragmatic fashion. The Foreign Minister noted that it is essential to maintain inter-governmental dialogue also on those issues where the opinions of Latvia and Russia differ. 

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