Latvian Foreign Minister reiterates support for territorial integrity and unity of Georgia

Meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Ekaterine Tkeshelashvili, on 11 July 2008, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins expressed support for Georgia's proposals directed at achieving stability in Georgia's conflict zones – Abkhazia and South Ossetia. As indicated by Minister Riekstins, "The proposals which have been suggested demonstrate the Georgian government's wish to resolve the conflict through negotiation, and Latvia supports Georgia in this approach". The Georgian Foreign Minister in turn highly appreciated the support and assistance that Latvia is extending to Georgia so as to foster understanding within the international community on this issue.

At the outset of the meeting, both ministers voiced their satisfaction about the dynamics of Latvian-Georgian relations, noting in particular the opening of both embassies in Riga and in Tbilisi, and the active exchange of visits by state officials at the highest level. Minister Riekstins and Minister Tkeshelashvili shared the opinion that such steps demonstrate a mutual wish to strengthen mutual relations and to work together towards facilitating Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration.

The Latvian Foreign Minister reiterated Latvia's position regarding the extending of the NATO Membership Action Plan to Georgia. The Georgian Foreign Minister briefed Mr Riekstins on the reform process in the country and expressed thanks for the assistance rendered in the implementation of development co-operation projects in Georgia.

At the discussion, the Latvian Foreign Minister mentioned the need to achieve an agreement between Georgia and the EU on easing travel restrictions and to continue considering options for concluding an EU-Georgia Free Trade Agreement.

Two Latvian-Georgian intergovernmental agreements were signed during the visit. Foreign Ministers Maris Riekstins and Ekaterine Tkeshelashvili signed the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of Georgia on Exemption from Visa Requirement for Holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports.  The Latvian Minister of the Interior Mareks Seglins and the Georgian Foreign Minister signed the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of Georgia on the Readmission of Persons who do not fulfil Conditions for Entry or Residence in the Territory of the Other State.

As part of the official visit to Latvia, Georgia's Foreign Minister Ekaterine Tkeshelashvili met also with the President of Latvia, Valdis Zatlers, and the Speaker of the Latvian Saeima, Gundars Daudze.

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