Latvian Foreign Minister and Georgian Ambassador discuss co-operation

On 25 February, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Latvia, Konstantin Korkelia, paid an introductory visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maris Riekstins.

During the meeting both parties discussed current issues of Latvia and Georgia bilateral relations, as well as the latest developments in EU and Georgia, also NATO and Georgia  co-operation.

Foreign Minister Riekstins stressed that already now close contacts have evolved between Latvia and Georgia, not only at political level, but also between institutions, non-governmental organisations and various sectoral experts of the two countries. In relation to this the Foreign Minister mentioned this week's training visit to Latvia by experts from the Electoral Commission of Georgia, who will be in consultations with the Electoral Commission of Latvia, working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, about preparations for the coming parliamentary elections in spring. On February 26 the Minister is scheduled to meet with the Georgian representatives. Mr Riekstins emphasized that the elections, due to take place in May, will be one of the tests of the durability of the reform process currently underway in Georgia.

Ambassador Korkelia expressed gratitude for the support that Latvia has given to the reform process in Georgia, and for the active role it played both in observation of elections, as well as in dealing with the shortcomings which were identified during the elections.

With regard to current EU and Georgia issues, Minister Riekstins repeatedly expressed Latvia's suppport for relaxation of the EU and Georgia visa regime, and also for further liberalisation of trade between the EU and Georgia. The Georgian Ambassador underlined that Georgia's aim is not to join the EU, however Georgia is hoping for the closest possible co-operation with the EU, and that relaxation of the visa regime and liberalisation of trade are integral to this process. Reviewing co-operation between NATO and Georgia, both parties expressed the view that opening the Action Plan for NATO membership (MAP) to Georgia would help structure co-operation between NATO and Georgia better, as well as Georgia's reforms in the field of defence.

On Tuesday, 26 February, the Ambassador of Georgia is due to present his credentials to the President of Latvia, Valdis Zatlers. Mr Korkelia is the first Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Latvia with residence in Riga.

(end of text)