Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins: The Baltic states and Germany are linked by active bilateral co-operation in a regional and international format

On 15 May, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins participated in the 11th Political Consultations between the Foreign Ministers of the Baltic states and from Germany. The consultations took place in Palanga, Lithuania.

During the meeting, the ministers debated actualities and issues of the European Union and the present international agenda, including the progress on ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon, energy security and issues concerning European Neighbourhood policy. Within the framework of the consultations there was an exchange of views with regard to the world economic and financial markets. The Ministers were of one mind that the Baltic states have an active co-operative relationship with Germany not only at the bilateral level but also in various regional and international formats.

Particular attention was focussed on the 7 May Eastern Partnership Summit in Prague.  The Ministers expressed the mutual opinion that this Summit had brought in a new era in the relations between the EU and its neighbour states to the east of the EU.  "During the forthcoming Swedish presidency of the EU it will be timely to confirm as many as possible joint projects in such priority areas as the move to a free trade zone and economic integration, especially in the expansion of energy effectiveness, as well as in Education and mobility", indicated Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins.

In debating issues with regard to the Treaty of Lisbon, Minister Riekstins applauded the recent support by the Czech Senate towards ratification of the treaty and expressed the hope that the process of ratification in the Czech Republic will soon be concluded in full. Maris Riekstins noted that 2009 is the year of decision in the European Union and emphasised that the coming year should commence in the EU with a clear juridical framework.

Political Consultations between the Baltic states and Germany were first conducted in Leipzig on 28 August 1996 at the initiative of the then German Minister for Foreign Affairs, Klaus Kinkel.  On 20 May 2008, Riga was the venue for the 10th meeting of Foreign Ministers from the Baltic states and from Germany which was hosted by Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins.

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