Foreign Minister values Georgian interest about Latvian election experience

On February 26 the Foreign Minister, Maris Riekstins, met with representatives of the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) of Georgia, who have arrived in Latvia for an experience exchange visit at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Latvian CEC.

The Foreign Minister noted with satisfaction that the presidential elections which took place in Georgia at the beginning of the year were open and altogether in keeping with international standards. At the same time the Minister expressed the wish that the experience of Latvia will be of benefit to Georgia in preparation for its parliamentary elections in May.

Mr Riekstins confirmed Latvia's readiness to participate as observers in the Georgian elections, and in addition to continue with the successful exchange of experience dialogue between the electoral commissions of both countries.

"The course of the Georgian elections will be an affirmation of the reforms being implemented in Georgia on its way toward Euro-Atlantic integration", the Minister pointed out.

The visit to Latvia by representatives of the Central Electoral Commission of Georgia was organised by the Central Electoral Commission of Latvia in co-ordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the visit, the Georgian representatives are scheduled to have meetings with representatives of the Foreign Ministry and the CEC, as well as the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau.

(end of text)