Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins: Key to success with Eastern Partnership is tangible outcome of practical co-operation

On 8 December in Brussels, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins took part at the plenary session of foreign ministers from the Eastern Partnership countries and the European Union Member States, which was the first meeting at the level of foreign ministers within the Eastern Partnership frame. The meeting was convened on the initiative of the EU Swedish Presidency with the aim of summarise the work accomplished under the Eastern Partnership since the Prague Summit in may this year, review the results achieved as well as to outline further priorities for 2010.

During the meeting, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins noted that success of the Eastern Partnership is largely related to the joint ability of the Member States to deliver tangible results of practical co-operation alongside with deepening political relations. The Minister indicated that the report by the European Commission on the progress achieved within the framework of the Eastern Partnership is substantial basis for further action both on the bilateral and multilateral tracks.

Minister Riekstins also rated positively the work accomplished in the eastern partners' economic integration and accentuated the need to finalise consultations on the establishment of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area.

While speaking about energy policy, Mr Riekstins noted with satisfaction the intensification of the EU co-operation with EaP countries in this field. The Latvian Foreign Minister briefed those present about a high-level expert seminar on energy efficiency and renewable resources that was recently held in Latvia.

In relation to the contribution by the EU Member States to the Comprehensive Institution Building Programme, Minister Riekstins expressed Latvia's readiness to share experience to the EaP countries. The process was successfully started within the bilateral co-operation format in the areas of environment, border control and customs, phytosanitary standards and consumer rights.

The participants of the EaP Ministerial formally endorsed four Action Programmes for 2009-2011, elaborated by multilateral thematic platforms.

The Ministers agreed to hold the next Eastern partnership Foreign Ministers Meeting during the Belgian Presidency of the EU, during the second half of 2010.

The Eastern partnership envisages the advancement of a stronger and more active EU policy vis-à-vis six countries located to the East of the European Union – Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine.

 

The Presidency summary on the results of the meeting:

http://www.se2009.eu/polopoly_fs/1.27065!menu/standard/file/091208Chair%27s%20Conclusions%20EaP%20Foreign%20Ministers%27%20Meeting.pdf...

 

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