United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to visit Latvia for the first time on an official visit

On 21 May, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will meet with the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who will be in Latvia on a one-day official visit. The UAE Foreign Minister is visiting Latvia as part of a tour of Regions of Europe.

During their meeting it is planned to discuss topical issues of a regional and international nature, as well as Latvia – UAE bilateral relations and prospects for further development.

It is planned that the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates will also meet with Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis as well as with Economics Minister Artis Kampars and Minister for the Environment Raimonds Vejonis.

Latvia is interested to promote its better recognition in the UAE, which in future may well become an important export market for Latvia, developing economic co-operation in such areas as transit (air and sea), tourism, and investments.

Latvia and the United Arab Emirates established diplomatic relations on 18 September 1995. Both states have enjoyed friendly relations but to date these have been delayed due to the great geographic distance as well as differences in culture and history.  With its accession to the European Union Latvia now participates in the joint EU and Gulf Co-operation Council dialogue of which the UAE is an active participant.

For the attention of the media!

At 9.50 a.m. Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will greet the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the lobby on the first floor of the Foreign Ministry building.

Photo and video opportunity

From 10 – 11 a.m. Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan will hold a meeting in room 309 on the third floor of the Foreign Ministry building.

Photo and video opportunity at the commencement of the meeting

From 11 – 11.15 a.m. Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan will hold a press briefing in the portrait gallery on the 3^rd floor of the Foreign Ministry building.

Photo and video opportunity

At 11.25 a.m. the Foreign Ministers of Latvia and of the United Arab Emirates will place a wreath at the Freedom Monument.

Media representatives wishing to attend the above events are invited to register with the Foreign Ministry Press Centre by 9.30 a.m. on 21 May by calling 67016 272

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