Annual Political Consultations in Washington, D.C. between Foreign Ministry State Secretaries

From 12 – 13 May, Foreign Ministry State Secretary Andris Teikmanis will be in Washington, D.C., to participate in political consultations as a framework for meetings with U.S. administration, NGOs, and research institute representatives.

During the meeting, State Secretary Teikmanis plans to discuss EU Eastern Partnership issues and opportunities for closer co-operation in this region with the U.S. as well as to engage in an exchange of views on aspects of EU and U.S. co-operation.

In the context of bilateral relations, Mr Teikmanis plans to emphasise Latvia's interest in co-operating with the U.S. on the development and introduction of clean energy technology, energy effectiveness, and innovative research on other forms of energy.

During these Political Consultations with the U.S., an exchange of opinions is expected on aspects of security policy and further prospects for bilateral co-operation development. It is expected that the discussions will also cover the combined international military and civilian efforts in the stabilisation of Afghanistan, the NATO led International Security Assistance Force – ISAF operations, co-operation with other similarly involved organisations, and the question of Latvian and U.S. military co-operation in Afghanistan.

At the conclusion of the Political Consultations, State Secretary Teikmanis will make a presentation at  the Joint Baltic-American Committee Conference on Baltic Regional Security: "Old Threats and New Challenges" panel discussion on "Ensuring Stability: Strategic Solutions and Regional Partnerships".

The U.S. is Latvia's strategic and allied partner, thus the exchange of opinions on bilateral and important international issues at the level of Foreign Ministry State Secretary has become an annual tradition.

(end of text)