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.

The memorandum is a document of political intent from the respective U.S. and Latvian sector ministries on bilateral co-operation in order to accelerate Latvia's accession to the VWP, and to bring about equal entry requirements for Latvian and U.S. nationals. The signing of the memorandum is a significant step forward towards Latvia's participation in the VWP.

The memorandum expresses the intention of the competent institutions of both countries to co-operate in the exchange of information concerning known and suspected terrorists, migration issues, and in relation to providing information which will promote fighting terrorism and crime. The memorandum also provides for co-operation between both sides in the readmission of nationals, as well as for development of programmes ensuring flight security.    

Latvia has for some time been actively working, both bilaterally and within the EU, to achieve visa reciprocity with the U.S., which would afford Latvian nationals the opportunity to travel to the U.S. visa-free, and thus removing the inequalities in requirements among EU member states when entering the U.S.

The U.S. has proposed the signing of similar memorandums of understanding also to other EU member states, which are candidates for the VWP. The Czech Republic signed a similar document on 26 February, whilst the Republic of Estonia plans to sign one on 12 March. From the Latvian side the memorandum will be signed by Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins, who is in his capacity as the acting Minister of the Interior.

Information for journalists on media opportunities at signing of Latvia-U.S. Memorandum of Understanding on 12 March

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