On 27 August, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with the Foreign Minister of Slovakia, Dr Miroslav Lajcak, who was on an official visit to Riga.

During the meeting, the ministers gave a positive evaluation to the bilateral relations between Latvia and Slovakia and an excellent political dialogue resulting in an exchange of high level visits. In the discussion, attention was paid to the economic co-operation. "It is important for the countries to be able to share ideas regarding the stimulation of economies and balancing budgets," Minister Riekstins noted.

Whilst speaking about the expansion of the Latvian-Slovak relations, the ministers reviewed the possibilities for co-operating on visa issuance in the countries where Latvia or Slovakia do not have their diplomatic representations.

Ministers Riekstins and Lajcak talked over regional co-operation, both between the Baltic states and Nordic countries, as well as within the framework of the Visegrad Group. "This format is appropriate for discussing current issues of the European Union, NATO enlargement and other topics, on which we could share experience," Mr Riekstins pointed out. 

In relation to security policy, attention was devoted to the new NATO Strategic Concept. The Foreign Ministers of Latvia and Slovakia shared the opinion about an accurate reflection of Article 5 of the Washington Treaty in the new concept, in view of new threats, such as the threats to cybersecurity. "It is important for the Latvian side that the new concept refers to the relations with countries outside the Alliance.  Also the issue of planning of military exercises is essential," emphasised Minister Riekstins. The Foreign Minister of Latvia informed his counterpart about the contribution to the concept development by the expert jointly nominated by the Baltic states, Aivis Ronis, former Ambassador to the U.S. and former Permanent Representative to NATO.

During the discussion, the ministers exchanged opinions about the topics on the European Union agenda, including the Eastern Partnership, the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty and institutional issues.

In conclusion, Dr Lajcak invited Minister Riekstins on a visit to Slovakia. 

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