October

State Secretary Normans Penke and Director General of Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons discuss the role of Chemical Weapons Convention in promotion of global security

On 30 September 2008, State Secretary Normans Penke met with the Director General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Rogelio Pfirter, who was in Latvia on a working visit. At the meeting, the importance of the Chemical Weapons Convention as an essential component of the disarmament and non-proliferation effort was acknowledged, emphasizing the role of the OPCW in promoting global security.

Call for applications closed for Foreign Ministry grant project competition

On 30 September, the call for applications was closed for the grant project competition Support for Development Co-operation Projects in the Recipient Countries as Defined by the Republic of Latvia announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As the rules of the competition envisaged the possibility of sending applications by post, the last applications were received at the Foreign Ministry on 2 October.

Communication by Foreign Ministry of Latvia on parliamentary elections in Belarus

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on basis of the preliminary statement by the international observer mission of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, considers that, in comparison to the parliamentary elections of 2004 and 2006, certain improvements have been observed in the process of the 28 September parliamentary elections in Belarus.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to visit U.S.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will undertake a working visit to Washington, U.S., on 8 - 11 October.

Foreign Ministry Political Director discusses current international politics at e-PINE consultations in Vilnius

On 2 October 2008, the Enhanced Partnership in Northern Europe (e-PINE) consultations open in Vilnius, Lithuania, in which the Latvian delegation is being headed by the Foreign Ministry's Political Director Peteris Ustubs.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to meet with Danish Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee delegation

On 6 October, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Maris Riekstins, will meet with the delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Folketing, the Parliament of Denmark. The delegation will be on a visit from 5 to 6 October at the invitation of Andris Berzins, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Saeima.

Foreign Minister Riekstins emphasises the importance of Georgia's territorial integrity in discussions by international community to Danish parliamentary delegation

On 6 October, during the visit by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Danish Parliament (Folketing) to Latvia, a meeting took place with Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to exchange views on current events of international politics including the situation in Georgia and the involvement of the European Union in resolving the conflict.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins condemns attack on Turkish soldiers

The Minister of Foreign Affairs has expressed his deepest sympathy to the people of Turkey in relation to Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK) terrorist attack, on 3 October, on a Turkish military outpost in southeastern Turkey near the Iraqi border, in which 15 Turkish soldiers have died.

Foreign Minister extends condolences to people of Kyrgyzstan with regard to earthquake victims

Minister for Foreign Affairs Māris Riekstiņš has sent a letter of condolence to Erdan Karabayev, the Kyrgyz Foreign Minister, in relation to the earthquake which struck southern Kyrgyzstan on 5 October.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

In Washington on 9 October, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Maris Riekstins, in the course of his working visit to the U.S. will meet with Condoleezza Rice, United States Secretary of State. During the meeting it is intended to review the development of Latvia – U.S. bilateral relations, the issues in connection with to the neighbourhood policy of Europe, and also further practical steps for Latvia's admission to the U.S. Visa Waiver Programme.

Latvia has considerably reduced visa refusal rate

The US visas refusal rate for residents of Latvia is 8.3% this year, according to the information supplied by the U.S. Department of State and aggregated from 1 October 2007 to 30 September 2008. The visa refusal rate has considerably decreased in comparison with the respective time period last year.

Latvian Foreign Minister and U.S. Secretary of State highlight significance of transatlantic co-operation on vital foreign policy issues

On 9 October, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Maris Riekstins, met with Condoleezza Rice, United States Secretary of State. During the meeting, transatlantic co-operation was reviewed in the context of international foreign policy and current security policy developments. The parties also discussed issues of bilateral co-operation between Latvia and the U.S., and noted the progress towards Latvia's admission to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program as well.

Foreign Minister of Latvia meets with foreign policy advisors to U.S. presidential candidates from Democratic and Republican parties

During a working visit to the U.S., the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Maris Riekstins met with Philip H. Gordon, foreign policy advisor to the United States presidential candidate from the Democratic Party, Barack Obama, and also with Randy Scheunemann and Kori Schake, advisors to the presidential candidate from the Republican Party, John McCain.

Foreign Minister to take part in meeting of General Affairs and External Relations Council

On 13 October Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will take part in the meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) in Luxembourg.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins invites non-governmental and academic organisations from U.S. to take part in Riga Conference

At the conclusion of his working visit to the United States, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with the President of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, Craig Kennedy, with the aim of discussing the successful long-term co-operation between Latvia and the fund, manifested by Latvia's support to the annual Brussels Forum and by the involvement of the fund in the organisation of the Riga Conference.

At GAERC meeting, EU foreign affairs ministers prepare for European Council and discuss situation in Georgia

On 13 October in Luxembourg, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins took part in the meeting of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). It focused upon the preparation of the next meeting of the EU Heads of Sate and Government – the European Council in Brussels on 15 and 16 October, and also on issues related to the situation in Georgia.

Foreign Minister Riekstins discusses relations between Russia and the West in U.S.

On 10 October Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins took part in a foreign policy expert discussion, held by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), on relations between Russia and the West and their prospects. The debate was led by Julianne Smith, the Director of the CSIS Europe Program.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to take part in European Council meeting

On 15 and 16 October, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will take part in the meeting of the European Council. The Latvian delegation will be headed by Prime Minister Ivars Godmanis.

Latvia to build a police station in Afghanistan

On 15 October in Maymana, the capital of the Faryab province of Afghanistan, Rudolfs Bremanis, the Latvian Special Representative to Afghanistan and Political and Development Advisor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed an agreement with the Etehad Rehabilitation and Development Organization (ERDO) on the allocation of funds and the execution of works with regard to the first Latvian assistance project for the strengthening of the Afghan police sector.

Foreign Minister to meet with representatives of World Federation of Free Latvians

On 17 October, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins is to meet with the representatives of the board of the World Federation of Free Latvians (WFFL) to talk about matters of significance to fellow Latvian organisations around the world, as well as about the planned events to mark the 90^th anniversary of the proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Latvia, both home and abroad.

President Bush announces Latvia's preparedness for Visa Waiver Program

On October 17 President George W. Bush invited ambassadors of the 13 candidate countries (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, South Korea, Greece, Cyprus and Malta) of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to a White House ceremony to announce the US Administration's decision to admit seven of these 13 countries to the Visa Waiver Program. Latvia was represented by Ambassador Andrejs Pildegovics.

Foreign Minister to receive present from UK Ambassador

On 21 October Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will meet with Richard Moon, the Ambassador of the UK to Latvia, who will present the Minister with a gift – an exhibition board of historical documents – to mark the upcoming 90th anniversary of the proclamation of Latvia's independence.

Foreign Ministry invites media to briefing on Latvia's planned accession to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in relation to Latvia's accession to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program invites media representatives to a briefing to be held in Room 138 in the Foreign Ministry building at 3.00 pm on 21 October.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to brief press on forthcoming visit to Moscow

On 21 October a press conference with Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will take place in relation to his forthcoming working visit to Moscow, in the Russian Federation, as well as on key activities in the nearest future.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins expresses gratitude for support to Latvia's accession to U.S. WVP during meeting with World Federation of Free Latvians

On 17 September, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with the representatives of the board of the World Federation of Free Latvians (WFFL) to talk about the current developments within the Latvian community overseas and also to exchange opinions on expanding further co-operation.

Swiss Ambassador on farewell call to Foreign Minister

On 20 October, the Swiss Ambassador to Latvia, Anne Bauty, made a farewell visit to Minister for Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins.

Latvia joins International Organization of La Francophonie

On 18 October, during the 12^th summit of the heads of the Francophonie states and governments, Latvia was unanimously admitted to the International Organization of La Francophonie in the status of an observer.

U.S. Ambassador expresses gratitude to Foreign Ministry State Secretary

In order to express gratitude for co-operation, on 20 October Charles Larson, Jr., the U.S. Ambassador to Latvia, met with Foreign Ministry State Secretary Normans Penke.

Foreign Minister receives display board of historical documents as gift from UK Ambassador

On 21 October Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with the Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Latvia, Richard Moon.

Foreign Minister: issues of bilateral co-operation and international developments on discussion agenda during visit to Russia

In response to the invitation by Sergey Lavrov, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, a working visit to Russia by Maris Riekstins, the Latvian Minister for Foreign Affairs, will take place on 23 October. During the visit, the foreign ministers are expected to review issues of bilateral co-operation, as well as to exchange views on current international events.

Additional assistance for Georgia to be announced at Georgia Donors' Conference

On 22 October in Brussels, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins will participate in the Georgia Donors Conference, being held by the European Commission and the World Bank. It was decided to organise this donors' conference at the European Council meeting of 1 September 2008, and its goal is to provide additional financial and political support to Georgia to overcome the consequences of the war.

Delegation of Iraqi businesswomen to visit Latvia

From 21 to 26 October, six Iraqi businesswomen will make a visit to Riga to participate in a programme of women's experience exchange: Enhancing Women's Role in Society, Business and Development.

Riga Conference 2008 "Europe Whole and Free: 90 Years in the Making" to take place (LATO)

From 31 October to 2 November in the Melngalvju Nams (Blackheads House), the Riga Conference Europe Whole and Free: 90 years in the making will take place. On the eve of the 90th anniversary of Latvia's independence, Riga will gather heads of states, the world's leading academicians, politicians, representatives from non-governmental organizations, commentators and journalists to review significant challenges to the European and Transatlantic community in the 21st century.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins welcomes support to Georgia by participants of Georgia Donors' Conference

On 22 October, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Maris Riekstins, took part in the International Donors' Conference for Georgia, organised in Brussels by the World Bank and the European Commission.

Foreign Ministers of Latvia and Russia agree to continue efforts in issues of mutual importance

On 23 October, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins was on a working visit to the Russian Federation. During the course of his visit, Minister Riekstins met with the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov (Сергей Лавров), with the aim of proceeding with a dialogue regarding the issues significant for both sides.

Consultations held between Foreign Ministries of Latvia and Serbia

On 24 October in Riga, consultations took place between Ilze Juhansone, the Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary of State for EU issues and Cedomir Radojkovic, Head of the Directorate-General for Bilateral Relations of the Foreign Ministry of Serbia.

Foreign Minister on official visit to United Kingdom

On 27 October, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will visit the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the status of an official guest of Her Majesty's government.

Latvian citizens may now travel to Australia without a visa

Starting from 27 October, citizens of Latvia will be able to travel to Australia for business or tourism purposes without having to obtain a visa, if their stay in Australia does not exceed three months on each occasion.

Successful applicants in Foreign Ministry grant project competition

In the grant project competition held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which concluded on 27 October, the following applicants have been selected: ...

Foreign Minister to meet with Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Affairs of former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

On 29 October, Michael Chertoff, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, will pay a short visit to Riga with the aim congratulating Latvia on a successful conclusion of the accession talks on the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.

Foreign Ministers of Latvia and United Kingdom discuss current agenda of EU and NATO foreign ministers

On 27 October, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins was on an official visit to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. During his visit, Minister Riekstins met with his counterpart David Miliband, with representatives of the British-Latvian All-Party Parliamentary Group, and with the UK experts in EU affairs, security policy and also energy and climate change.

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security to visit Riga

Foreign Minister extends condolences to Pakistani Foreign Minister with regard to earthquake in Balochistan province

The Minister for Foreign Affairs has sent a letter of condolence to Pakistani Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi with regard to the earthquake that struck in the province of Balochistan. The powerful earthquake in south-western Pakistan took the lives of at least 160 people, in addition many have suffered injuries and lost their homes.

Memorandum of Understanding between Latvia and Order of Malta to be signed

On 29 October, during the official visit to Latvia by the Grand Master of the Order of Malta, Fra Matthew Festing, a Memorandum of Understanding will be signed by Latvian Ambassador Alberts Sarkanis. The goal of the memorandum is to establish a framework for long-term co-operation between the governments of the Republic of Latvia and the Order of Malta in social, humanitarian, and health care fields.

To U.S. without a visa - from 17 November

On 29 October, at a meeting with Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Minister for the Interior Mareks Seglins, Michael Chertoff, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, acknowledged that starting from 17 November Latvian citizens will be able to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business purposes visa-free, with a biometric passport and approval from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

Lithuanian Ambassador pays farewell call to Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins

On 30 October, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Lithuanian, Antanas Vinkus, made his farewell call on the Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins invites regional media to explain foreign policy events

On 31 October, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with representatives of the regional media in order to review current foreign policy developments.

Foreign Minister condemns acts of terror in the state of Assam in India

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins has sent a letter of condolence to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of India, Pranab Mukerjee, in connection with the 30 October acts of terrorism in India's north-eastern state of Assam.

Foreign Ministry Parlaimentary Secretary to represent Latvia at 10th EuroMed Conference of Ministers for Foreign Affairs in Marseilles

On 3-4 November, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Eriks Zunda, will represent Latvia at the 10th Union for the Mediterranean Conference of Foreign Ministers in Marseilles, France.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the republic of Latvia

October

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