Latvian Foreign Minister to go on working visit to Sweden [16 Jan 2008]

On 16 - 17 January, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will be on a working visit to Stockholm, Sweden. His agenda includes a meeting with Karl Bildt, Foreign Minister of Sweden, and Cecilia Malmstroem, the EU Affairs Minister. Mr Riekstins will also open a seminar entitled Baltic Sea Region in Europe, organised within the framework of Latvia's Presidency in the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), as well as an exhibition Where the Baltic Sea and People Meet.

Both Foreign Ministers will talk over current issues of bilateral, regional and international policy, including EU energy policy. Special attention will be devoted to Latvia's Presidency in the CBSS and to the Swedish Presidency in the Nordic Council of Ministers.

During the meeting with the Swedish EU Affairs Minister, current EU-related topics and structural changes introduced by the Lisbon Treaty will be discussed. The Latvian Foreign Ministry has already expressed the opinion that it is vital to begin constructive discussion among the Member States with regard to the implementation of the Treaty.

As part of the travelling project Balticness, Minister Riekstins will open a round-table discussion seminar entitled Baltic Sea Region in Europe at the Stockholm School of Economics. He will introduce a discussion on the role of the Baltic Sea Region in shaping Europe's future. The travelling project includes also a photography exhibition, which the Minister will open at the Stockholm Public Library.

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