Foreign Minister Riekstins to take part at ASEM Foreign Ministers Meeting in Vietnam

From 24 to 26 May, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will take part at the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

The Asia-Europe Meeting is a regular format for gatherings of foreign ministers where significant international and economic issues are addressed. Within the framework of the event, participants are expected to exchange opinions on regional processes in Europe and Asia, and on their perception of the impact of the global economic downturn upon regions.

During the meeting, Minister Riekstins will pronounce a statement regarding global economies as well as inform his counterparts form the Asian countries about current issues on the European Union's agenda, focusing on the new EU Eastern Partnership initiative.

Bilateral meetings have been scheduled for Foreign Minister Riekstins with foreign ministers of Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. During the meetings, it is planned to review the issues of economic co-operation and the broadening of legal framework. Given that Thailand is the most popular tourist destination for Latvian visitors in Asia, the Latvian side, during its discussion with the Foreign Minister of Thailand, intends to address the issue of applying to Latvian nationals the entry regulations equal to those for other EU states.

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