On 27 August, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will meet the Foreign Minister of Slovakia, Dr Miroslav Lajcak, who arrives on an official visit to Riga.

The topics to be discussed include the development of bilateral relations between Latvia and Slovakia, including co-operation in economy, education and science, as well as a regional perspective of co-operation. In the programme, there are also issues from the European Union agenda – the Eastern Partnership, energy and the Lisbon Treaty. The ministers are expected to exchange opinions on the current topics of security policy – Afghanistan, the new NATO Strategic Concept, as well as the European Union Battlegroup.

As part of his official visit to Riga, the Slovak Foreign Minister will meet with President Valdis Zatlers, Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis, as well as Deputy Speaker of the Saeima, Solvita Aboltina.

The visit to Riga takes place within the framework of visits to the Baltic states.

Mr Lajcak has held the post of Foreign Minister since 26 January this year. Prior to that, he was EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

For the attention of the media!

At 10:15 Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will greet the Foreign Minister of Slovakia Miroslav Lajcak in the lobby on the 1^st floor of the Foreign Ministry building.

Photo and video opportunity

10:30–11:15 - Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and the Foreign Minister of Slovakia Miroslav Lajcak will hold a meeting in room 309 on the 3^rd floor of the Foreign Ministry building.

Beginning photo and video opportunity

11:15–11:25 - press briefing of Foreign Minister of the Republic of Latvia, Maris Riekstins, and Foreign Minister of Slovak Republic, Miroslav Lajcak, at the Portrait Gallery on the 3^rd floor of the Foreign Ministry building.

Photo and video opportunity

At 11:30 the Foreign Ministers of Latvia and of Slovakia will place flowers at the Freedom Monument.

Media representatives wishing to attend the above events are invited to register with the Foreign Ministry Press Centre until 27 August 9:45 by calling 67016 272.

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