On 7-8 September, the Foreign Minister of Italy, Franco Frattini, will arrive on a working  visit to Latvia, and will meet with Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins.

The topics to be discussed include the development of bilateral relations between Latvia and Italy, with the focus on economic co-operation opportunities as well as the preparation for the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2014-2015.  

The programme also deals with topical issues of the European Union and of international policy - Afghanistan, the EU enlargement, the European Neighbourhood Policy, energy security and the new NATO Strategic Concept.

On 8 September, as part of the working visit, Ministers Frattini and Riekstins will sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the Foreign Ministries of both countries on the enhancement of bilateral relations.

The visit to Latvia takes place within the framework of visits to the Baltic states.

Mr Frattini has held the post of the Foreign Minister of Italy since 8 May 2008. Prior to that, he was Vice President of the European Commission, and Commissioner responsible for Justice, Freedom and Security.

For the attention of the media!

• At 09:00 – Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will greet the Foreign Minister of Italy, Franco Frattini, in the lobby on the 1^st floor of the Foreign Ministry building. Photo and video opportunity
• At 09:15 – Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and the Foreign Minister of Italy, Franco Frattini, sign the Memorandum of Understanding between Foreign Ministries. Photo and video opportunity
• At 09:25 – joint press conference by Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and the Foreign Minister of Italy, Franco Frattini. Photo and video opportunity

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