Other issues discussed were the economic and financial situation in both countries, as well as topical agenda items of the G20 Summit held in Pittsburg, the USA. Foreign Minister Verhagen informed about the proceedings of the Summit, in which the Netherlands was a participant, and noted that the global crisis was felt world wide not only in Latvia and the Netherlands, and therefore a concerted action was required, including within G 20 format. The Ministers exchanged opinions on the consultations mechanism that would ensure the representation of all the EU member states' interests in this forum.

The discussion on the current international politics covered the EU's institutional issues, the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty, the formation of the EU Foreign Service, and top positions.

Ministers Riekstins and Verhagen also exchanged opinions of security policy topics - the development of the new NATO Strategic Concept, NATO enlargement and the Alliance's partners. Minister Riekstins informed Mr Verhagen regarding the visit to Riga by NATO Secretary General Rasmussen.

Maxime Verhagen has been the Foreign Minister of the Netherlands since February 2007.

After their meeting Foreign Minister Riekstins and Foreign Minister Verhagen departed for Vilnius, Lithuania, to take part in the Baltic-Benelux Foreign Ministers Meeting.