On 23 September, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with the new Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, Kanat Saudabayev, to discuss the topical agenda of both countries that would promote further development of mutual relations. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, USA.

Given the fact that Mr Saudabayev took up the position as Foreign Minister on 4 September this year, Foreign Minister Riekstins wished his colleague success in the new post and expressed hope that the dialogue between Latvia and Kazakhstan would be further enhanced. To Latvia, Kazakhstan is a significant and perspective partner in the Central Asian region as a whole: this is confirmed by a growing intensity of the political dialogue in recent years, including the visit by President Zatlers to Kazakhstan on 2-5 October 2008, as well as interparliamentary and intergovernmental co-operation.

When discussing development of economic co-operation between Latvia and Kazakhstan, both ministers shared an opinion that co-operation in the field of transit had potential. The ministers also highlighted the sessions of the Latvia-Kazakhstan Intergovernmental Commission as an important tool for strengthening economic contacts.

The parties also reviewed the issue of the reconstruction of Afghanistan and noted the significance of stability for the Central Asian region.

During the meeting, the ministers focused on Kazakhstan's upcoming OSCE Chairmanship in 2010 and the relevant preparations. Minister Riekstins noted that the OSCE Chairmanship is not only a serious challenge for Kazakhstan but also is significant for Central Asia as a whole. At the same time, the ministers reviewed the EU Strategy for Central Asia and the EU-Kazakhstan relations. Both parties expressed their appreciation of the EU-Central Asia ministerial meeting organized by the Swedish EU Presidency on 15 September this year in Brussels.

On 25 September, also in the margin of the UN General Assembly, a joint meeting has been scheduled for the Baltic, Nordic and Central Asian foreign ministers.

At the end of September, former ambassador of Latvia to Poland, Alberts Sarkanis, succeeded Rets Plesums as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to the Republic of Kazakhstan.

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