March
Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary of State takes part in meeting on extended European-Asian dialogue
On 2-3 March in Brdo, Slovenia, the Latvian Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary of State, Edgars Skuja, took part in a gathering of senior officials of the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) which carried out preparations for the ASEM Summit to be held in October this year.
Latvian Foreign Ministry State Secretary visits Washington
Between 3-6 March, Normans Penke, Secretary of State of the Foreign Ministry, will visit Washington in order to hold political consultations with U.S. officials in the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security and the Congress, as well as to participate, together with the Latvian ministers for the economy and the environment, in the Washington International Renewable Energy Conference organized by the U.S. Administration.
Latvian Foreign Minister discusses EU issues with French Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries
On 4 March the Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries of France, Michel Barnier. During the meeting, current issues related to bilateral relations and the EU were discussed.
Maris Riekstins to take part in informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers
On 5-6 March, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will participate in an informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers in Brussels. The principal purpose of the meeting is to review the topics to be discussed at the NATO Summit in Bucharest on 3-4 April. The main issues will be the prospective enlargement of the alliance and the progress of NATO operations.
Latvian Foreign Minister to meet with Israeli Ambassador
On 11 March the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Israel to Latvia, Chen Ivri, will make an introductory visit to the Foreign Minister, Maris Riekstins.
Latvia applauds Canada's decision to abolish visas for EU Member States
Latvia welcomes the decision taken by the Canadian government to grant visa-free status to Poland, Lithuania, Hungary and Slovakia. Latvia considers this to be a substantial achievement for the whole of the European Union.
Foreign Ministry State Secretary presents Latvia's donation to the Global Virtual Museum on Communism
On 3 March, the Foreign Ministry Secretary of State, Normans Penke, during his stay in Washington, presented to the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation in the U.S. a donation on behalf of Latvia for the establishment of the Global Virtual Museum on Communism.
Foreign Minister expresses firm support for NATO offer of Membership Action Plan to Georgia and Ukraine
On 6 March Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins attended informal talks of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels. Ministers discussed the main issues that will top the agenda of the upcoming NATO Bucharest Summit of 3 to 4 April: further enlargement of the alliance and strengthening of its relations with partner states, as well as the course of NATO-led operations in Afghanistan and Kosovo.
State Secretary Penke to participate in EU GAERC meeting
Foreign Ministry State Secretary Normans Penke will take part in the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) meeting in Brussels on 10 March.
Registration of signatures abroad for law "Amendments to the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia" to be initiated
From 12 March to 10 April the registration of signatures to initiate a law on "Amendments to the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia" will take place.
Foreign Minister condemns Jerusalem tragedy of 6 March
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins has expressed condemnation about the tragedy that took place on 6 March, in Jerusalem, when a terrorist attacked a Jewish religious seminary in West Jerusalem, killing eight and injuring about 10 people.
Foreign Minister to meet Ambassador of China
On 10 March the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Latvia, Zhang Limin, will make an introductory visit to the Foreign Minister, Maris Riekstins.
Latvia emphasises importance of external dimensions of EU energy policy
On 10 March a meeting of the European Union (EU) General Affairs and External Relations Council took place in Brussels, attended by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Normans Penke. The main focus was on preparations for the next meeting of Heads of States and Government of EU countries – the spring meeting of the European Council, to be held in Brussels on 13 and 14 March.
Foreign Ministry State Secretary to open touring photographic exhibitions Skats and Laiks
On 12 March at 4 pm, Foreign Ministry State Secretary Normans Penke will launch two touring photographic exhibitions, Skats (The View) and Laiks (Time) at the exhibition hall Fotostudija Imagine, which is located at Andrejostas iela 4a, in Riga. In collaboration with Latvian representations abroad, the exhibitions shortly will be going on tour across Europe, America, and China.
Press conference by Latvian jazz musicians participating in project Balticness
On 13 March at 7 pm in the Sunny terrace jazz room of the Europa City Hotel (Brīvības iela 199C, Riga) there will be a press conference about the participation of the Latvian jazz musician association Riga Groove Electro in the travelling project Balticness, which has been organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the presidency of the Council of Baltic Sea States (CBSS).
Foreign Minister discusses potential development of bilateral co-operation with Chinese Ambassador
On 10 March the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Latvia, Zhang Limin, made an introductory visit to the Foreign Minister, Maris Riekstins.
Diplomatic relations between Latvia and Ethiopia established
On 11 March at the Latvian Embassy in Belgium, diplomatic relations were established between the Republic of Latvia and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Building of Latvian Permanent Mission to EU to be officially inaugurated
In Brussels, where the regular meeting of the heads of state or government of the EU member states is to take place this week, the new building of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Latvia to the EU will be officially inaugurated with a series of celebratory events.
Latvia and U.S. to sign Memorandum of Understanding promoting Latvia's accession to U.S. Visa Waiver Program
The Foreign Ministry informs that on 12 March U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff will be in Latvia. The objective of the visit is to sign the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Latvia and the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America regarding the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) of the United States of America and the increased security measures related to it.
Foreign Minister and Israeli Ambassador discuss situation in Middle East
On 11 March Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Israel to Latvia, Chen Ivri. At the meeting parties considered Latvia-Israel bilateral relations, their potential development, and the current situation in the Middle East, as well as other current issues in international politics.
Foreign Minister discusses career opportunities at the Ministry with students of the Agenskalns secondary school
On 12 March, Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins met with Grade 12 students of his one-time school, the Agenskalns Secondary School. During the meeting the Minister enlightened the students about the main duties of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and told them about career opportunities in the diplomatic service.
Foreign Minister to participate in European Council meeting
On 13 and 14 March Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will attend the regular European Council meeting in Brussels. The Latvian delegation will be headed by Prime Minister Ivars Godmanis.
Memorandum of Understanding between Latvia and U.S. on Visa Waiver Programme and related enhanced security measures
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs that on 12 March the Acting Minister for the Interior, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins, and the United Sates Secretary of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, signed the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Latvia and the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America regarding the United States Visa Waiver Program and related enhanced security measures.
Prime Minster and Foreign Minister inaugurate building of Latvian Permanent Mission to EU in Brussels
On 12 March in Brussels, in the presence of Prime Minister Ivars Godmanis and Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins, the new building of the Latvian Permanent Mission to the EU was formally inaugurated. The ceremony was attended by a number of senior officials from Latvian and EU institutions and foreign diplomats.
Opening of emotive photo story at Foreign Ministry - touring exhibition about Song and Dance Festival
On 17 March at 4 pm, in the Ministry entrance hall, Foreign Ministry State Secretary Normans Penke will launch a travelling photographic exhibition entitled Latvia's Song and Dance Celebration in Pictures.
Balticness travels to Denmark
On 17 March Copenhagen will host the travelling project Balticness, which is being organised by Latvia's presidency at the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS). The project features a photographic exhibition, a jazz concert, and debates on a topic relating to regional co-operation.
Latvian Foreign Minister discusses enlargement strategy of the Euro-Atlantic community at Brussels Forum
From 14 to 16 March Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins took part in the Brussels Forum, where politicians and experts debate and exchange views on current issues of transatlantic co-operation.
Foreign Minister voices concern on recent developments in Lhasa
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins has voiced concern regarding the events of previous days in Lhasa, Tibet, where civilian lives have been lost in the unrest. The Minister urges avoidance of the use of force and the seeking of a solution through peaceful negotiations.
Foreign Ministry holds annual meeting of consular officials
From 17 to 20 March the Foreign Ministry Consular Department is holding its annual meeting of consular officials, in which particular attention will be paid to such topics as the latest regarding the issue of Schengen visas and residence permits, the issue of the new biometric passports, uncovering of counterfeit travel documents, protection of child rights and interests abroad.
UN Special Rapporteur encourages continuation of Latvia's policy in promotion of tolerance
On 19 March, Doudou Diene, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, presented a report on Latvia at the 7th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
Foreign Minister and Kazakh Ambassador discuss possible economic co-operation between states
On 25 March Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with Tleukhan Kabdrakhmanov, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kazakhstan to Latvia, to consider the latest developments in Latvia-Kazakhstan bilateral relations and the future potential of co-operation.
WFFL and student organisation Talavija back Foreign Minister's intention to renew historic street name
The World Federation of Free Latvians (WFFL) and the Latvian student organisation Talavija have sent a letter to Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins, voicing support for the proposal to change the name of the boulevard Basteja bulvaris back to its historical name - Zigfrida Annas Meierovica bulvaris.
Foreign Minister to discuss Latvia's experience in Euro-Atlantic integration with Ukrainian media
On 27 March Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will meet with the representatives of leading Ukrainian media in order to share Latvia's experience in Euro-Atlantic integration.
Foreign Ministry State Secretary to unveil travelling exhibition Cita Amerika
On 27 March the travelling photographic exhibition Cita Amerika (Another America), organised by Latin American honorary consuls in Latvia, will be launched at the Reval Hotel Latvia.
Foreign Minister and French Secretary of State for European Affairs to discuss priorities of upcoming French presidency
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will meet with Jean-Pierre Jouyet, the Secretary of State for European Affairs of France on 31 March. The visit by Mr Jouyet takes place ahead of the France's presidency at the EU in the second half of 2008.
Foreign Minister debates Baltic and Nordic state contribution to common EU foreign policy at international conference in Tallinn
On 29 and 30 March, at the invitation of President Toomas Hendrik Ilves of Estonia, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will attend the Lennart Meri Conference in Tallinn.
Foreign Minister and French Secretary of State for European Affairs sign memorandum on French language teaching
On 31 March Jean-Pierre Jouyet, the Secretary of State for European Affairs of France, made a visit to Latvia. During the visit, Mr Jouyet met with representatives of the Foreign Ministry and discussed current events within the EU, including France's priorities for its presidency of the EU in the second half of 2008.
EU Reflection Group's future activities discussed at Foreign Policy Council chaired by Foreign Minister
A meeting of the Foreign Policy Council, chaired by Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins, will take place on 1 April, where foreign policy experts will consider current events in international politics, among other topics, the work of the EU Reflection Group, NATO summit in Bucharest, and the recent developments in Tibet.
Regarding North Atlantic Council's statement on Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe
On 28 March the NATO North Atlantic Council issued a statement on the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE), where NATO expresses firm commitment to the CFE framework and its long-term role. The Russian Federation is urged to renew its participation in the Treaty, so that by joint efforts a mutually acceptable solution for maintaining the Treaty can be found.
Announcement on postponement of Foreign Minister's press conference
A result of a delay in the arrival of the French delegation, the joint press conference of Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and the French Secretary of State for European Affairs, Jean-Pierre Jouyet, which was planned to take place today, 31 March, has been postponed.
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