Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins welcomes to Riga his Estonian and Lithuanian colleagues [08 Apr 2010]

On 9 April, on the initiative of the Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins, the Baltic states foreign ministers meeting is held in Riga. Arriving to participate are the Foreign Minister of Estonia, Urmas Paet, and the Foreign Minister of Lithuania, Audronius Ažubalis.

The programme for discussions includes issues related to further enhancement of the regional cooperation between the Baltic and Nordic countries, as well as an exchange of opinions on the progress with the formation of the European External Action Service, and other current topics on the EU agenda.

The consultations of the Baltic foreign ministers will also focus on the matters to be addressed by the meeting of NATO foreign ministers scheduled for 22-23 April in Tallinn. Another agenda point is the development of NATO's new Strategic Concept and a meeting with Aivis Ronis, the representative of the Baltic states in the group of experts.

In 2010, Latvia holds the presidency in the Baltic Council of Ministers, an institution for co-operation among the governments of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. The BCM was established on 13 June 1994 and its mission is to ensure continuity of co-operation at the governmental level.

For the attention of the media!

12.50 – 13.00              Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins welcomes the Foreign Minister of Estonia, Urmas Paet, and the Foreign Minister of Lithuania, Audronius Ažubalis.

Photo and video opportunity.

14.35                           Joint press conference by Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins, the Foreign Minister of Estonia, Urmas Paet, and the Foreign Minister of Lithuania, Audronius Ažubalis.

Media representatives are invited to register their participation with the Foreign Ministry Press Centre before 11 a.m. on 9 April, by calling 67016 272. 

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