Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins: Hearsay about change in Latvia's foreign policy course is groundless [23 Nov 2009]

On 21 November in the Daile Theatre, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins, in his address to the People's party 12th Congress stressed that hearsay about a change in the foreign policy course of the state of Latvia is groundless. At the same time, the Minister also pointed out that a priority of this country is, and will remain, a strong Latvia in a strong European Union and NATO, and good relationship with neighbours.

"The rhetoric by political opponents in this respect keeps harping on Russia, and therefore I would like to reiterate that, being well aware of the complicated history of Latvia-Russia relations, it would not be farsighted to shape relationship in a cold war atmosphere. The efforts to form and develop as constructive as possible neighbourly relations belong to the rudiments of foreign policy," noted Minister Riekstins. 

Mr Riekstins also highlighted the significant role the party played when the country was conducting the EU and NATO accession negotiations. The Minister also emphasised that during the five years' period since Latvia became a full-fledged member of the said organizations, this country has proved itself as a trusted ally which at the same time stands up for its national interests.

The minister accentuated that, in view of Latvia's geographical location and the numbers of population, it must be regarded as an achievement that its two representatives have been chosen to work with the elaboration of the EU and NATO's future strategies. "The vice-president's post held by former President of Latvia, Vaira Vike-Freiberga in the European Union Reflection Group, and the participation by former Ambassador to the United States and NATO, Aivis Ronis, in the development of NATO's new Strategic Concept is acknowledgement of our diplomacy and foreign policy," said Mr Riekstins.

While speaking about further objectives of Latvia's foreign policy, Foreign Minister Riekstins indicated at the conditions for practical implementation of the Lisbon Treaty. "It is important to achieve a professional participation by Latvia's representatives in the European External Action Service to be established, thus enhancing its presence in the European Union institutions," Minister Riekstins underlined.

Among major foreign policy objectives, Mr Riekstins mentioned the contribution to the new EU Financial Perspective for 2014-2020, where it is vital for Latvia to protect its interests both within the agricultural policy and regarding the EU financial resources to be available in future.

Concerning NATO, for its part, the minister underlined the work on the issues related to further activities of the Alliance within international operations and for the strengthening of capabilities to protect of its own territory.

Minister Riekstins intends to deliver a more detailed lecture on the foreign policy goals of Latvia on 27 January at the University of Latvia.

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