On 26 August, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with the Minister of Public Affairs and Diaspora of Israel, Yuli-Yoel Edelstein, who was in Riga in order to take part at the ceremony of reopening the Riga Synagogue.

During their meeting, the ministers evaluated positively the development of the Latvian-Israeli bilateral relations, highlighting economic co-operation and the establishment of business contacts. "Facilitating the economic dimension is one of the priorities for the Foreign Ministry; therefore we would gladly welcome a business delegation from Israel on a visit to Latvia," Minister Riekstins indicated.

Whilst speaking about the development of a dialogue between non-governmental organisations, Minister Riekstins noted the contribution provided by the Latvian Government to maintaining the Jewish culture as well as measures accomplished in Holocaust education and remembrance. At the same time, Mr Riekstins pointed out that the events organised within the frame of this co-operation have become significant features of the cultural life in Latvia. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the renovation of the Riga Synagogue. The costs of restoration works were partly funded by Latvia.

Ministers Riekstins and Edelstein also discussed current international issues, including the situation in the Middle East region.

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