Latvian Foreign Minister Riekstins on working visit to Italy

From 23 to 25 January, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will be on a working visit to the Republic of Italy. His agenda includes meetings with Massimo d'Alema, Foreign Minister of Italy, and also Arturo Parisi, Minister for Defence and Umberto Ranieri, President of the Foreign Affairs Commitee of the Chamber of Deputies at the Parliament of Italy.

Mr Riekstins and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy will talk over current issues of bilateral relations and the European Union, including the ratification and implementation of the Lisbon Treaty, as well as topics related to the European Neighbourhood Policy and the EU energy policy.

During the meeting with Defence Minister Arturo Parisi, events in the West Balkans and the upcoming NATO Summit in Bucharest will be covered. The ministers will also talk over other topical and security policy issues.

At the conclusion of the visit, Minister Riekstins is to meet with Umberto Ranieri, President of the Foreign Affairs Commitee of the Chamber of Deputies at the Italian Parliament, and other members of the commission about the enhancement of the bilateral legislative base and issues relating to the institutional development of the EU.

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