February
Foreign Minister Riekstins emphasizes Afghanistan should soon take over responsibility for security in country
On 28 January at the London Conference on Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins spoke about the decision by the Government of Latvia to support civilian engagement and further implementation of development co-operation measures in Afghanistan.
Latvia responds to US request to receive a Guantanamo detainee
On 2 February 2010, the Cabinet of Ministers took a decision to resettle in Latvia one detainee from the Guantanamo detention camp.
Latvian entrepreneurs can take part in tenders announced within UN stabilisation mission in Haiti
Information for businesses regarding opportunities to co-operate with the United Nations Organisation and to render assistance in dealing with the aftermaths of the earthquake is published on the UN website (further information at http://business.un.org/en).
Foreign Ministry invites students to apply for shadowing diplomats
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs invites students to apply for participating in the Job Shadow Day on 17 February that will provide an excellent opportunity of having a close-up look at the diplomats' work and learning about the activities of Latvia's foreign service.
Foreign Ministry to display a stand at BALTTOUR 2010
From 5 to 7 February, for the third year in a row, the Foreign Ministry Consular Department will take part in the international travel trade fair BALTTOUR 2010. The visitors of the exhibition will receive information on what they need to know when travelling abroad: what to do in emergency; possibilities to be listed in the Consular Register; receiving assistance from an embassy of another EU state in case Latvia does not have its representation in the country of travel destination. Those interested will also be informed about current developments, about risks related to job seeking abroad, and will receive advice on avoiding those risks.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to take part at Munich Security Conference
From 5 to 7 February, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will take part in the 46th Munich Security Conference. The annual security conference in Munich is one of the major events of this profile in Europe, and brings together heads of state from all over the world, influential politicians and international policy experts.
Foreign ministry Secretary of State meets with Honorary Consuls of foreign countries in Latvia
On 5 February, Foreign Ministry Secretary of State met with Honorary Consuls of foreign countries in Latvia.
Maris Riekstins: We expect Ukraine, after presidential elections, to intensify relations with European Union
On 6 February Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko to discuss bilateral relations and economic contacts between the countries as well as Ukraine's NATO-related and eurointegration aspirations. The meeting took place during the 46th Munich Security Conference.
Foreign Minister Riekstins and State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Japan indicate at economic co-operation potential
On 7 February, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with the State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Koichi Takemasa.
Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis and Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins offer condolences to their Swedish counterparts over death of Swedish soldiers in Afghanistan
Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis and Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins, on behalf of the Government of Latvia, have sent letters of condolence to Prime Minister of Sweden, Fredrik Reinfeldt, and Foreign Minister Carl Bildt with regard to the tragic death of Swedish soldiers in Afghanistan.
Cabinet of Ministers considers report on the progress of sector policies during the Presidency of Sweden and planned development during the Presidency of Spain
On 9 February, the Cabinet of Ministers sitting considered an informative report On 4 August, at the sitting of the Cabinet of Ministers a report On the progress of sector policies during the Presidency of Sweden and planned development during the Presidency of Spain was reviewed. The Foreign Ministry, working with sector ministries, prepares this kind of informative report twice a year whenever the presiding country of the EU Council changes.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Slovenian Foreign Minister to sign intergovernmental Agreement on exchange and mutual protection of classified information
On 10 February, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will meet the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, Samuel Zbogar who is on a visit in Riga.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins expresses gratification about new European Commission being approved at European Parliament
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins expresses gratification about the European Parliament's vote in favour of the European Commission's new composition, and wishes success to President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, to Vice President and the EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, as well as to the new commissioners on assuming their responsible positions.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Slovenian Foreign minister share opinion on strengthening "business diplomacy" to address economic challenges
On 10 February, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, Samuel Zbogar who was on a visit in Riga.
Co-operation protocol to be signed on European Union issues
On 11 February at 2 p.m., Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will sign a protocol of co-operation with non-governmental organisations on the European Union issues.
Foreign Ministry favours stronger sanctions against Iran
In view of Iran's non-cooperation, turning down the proposal by the International Atomic Energy Agency to exchange uranium for nuclear fuel, as well as the official statement of 8 February 2010 which declares Iran's intent to begin enriching uranium up to 20 percent level, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs supports imposing stronger sanctions within the framework of the UN Security Council.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins congratulates Lithuania's new Foreign Minister on assuming office
On 11 February, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins in a telephone conversation congratulated Lithuania's new Minister for Foreign Affairs, Audronius Azubalis on assuming office.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins with directors of regional libraries will discuss cooperation in raising public awareness on EU issues
On 12 February, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and the ministry staff will meet with 23 directors of Latvia's regional libraries hosting the European Union Information Points (EUIP).
In EU communication, Foreign Ministry to co-operate with libraries in Latvia's regions
On 12 February, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received on a visit 23 directors of Latvia's regional libraries hosting the European Union Information Points (EUIP).
Prime Minister and Foreign Minister convey condolences to their Belgian colleagues regarding train collision
Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis and Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins, on behalf of the Government of Latvia, have sent letters of condolence to Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium, Yves Leterme, and Foreign Minister Steven Vanackere with regard to the tragic train crash near Brussels.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs discuss Latvia's closer involvement in development co-operation
On 15 February, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with the new EU Commissioner for Development Co-operation, Andris Piebalgs, to discuss the action programme of the new European Commission and the current institutional issues of the European Union, including the prospects for co-operation between the European External Action Service and the European Commission in the field of development co-operation.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins on working visit to Finland
On 17 February, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will go on a working visit to Finland. The agenda for the visit includes meetings with the Speaker of the Parliament of Finland, Sauli Niinosto, and Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and senior Finnish officials discuss Baltic-Nordic co-operation
On 17 February, Foreign Minister was on a working visit to Finland and met with the Speaker of the Parliament Sauli Niinisto and Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb.
Ilze Juhansone to take part at informal meeting of EU ministers for develoment
On 17-18 February in Lagranha, Spain, the European Union development ministers convene for an informal meting at which Latvia is represented by Ilze Juhansone, Head of the European Union Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to take part at high level conference in Switzerland on future of European Court of Human Rights
On 18 - 19 February, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will take part at a high level conference on the future of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Interlaken, Switzerland.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins: Latvia is interested in efficient functioning of European Court of Human Rights
On 18 - 19 February, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins took part at a high level conference on the future of the European Court of Human Rights (the Court) in Interlaken, Switzerland, the main purpose of which was to assess the existing challenges faced by the Court and to debate the prospective reform measures.
Andris Teikmanis represents Latvia at conference Baltic foreign ministers and Nordic development ministers
On 18 February in Vilnius, the Nordic Council of Ministers held a conference of Nordic ministers for development and Baltic foreign ministers, where Latvia was represented by the Foreign Ministry Secretary of State, Andris Teikmanis.
Minister Maris Riekstins urges EU foreign ministers to develop action plan for cooperation with Ukraine
On 22 February, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins took part at the meeting of the General Affairs Council and the External Relations Council in Brussels.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to take part at meeting of General Affairs Council and External Affairs Council
On 22 February, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will take part at the meeting of General Affairs Council and External Affairs Council in Brussels.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to meet new Foreign Minister of Lithuania
On 24 February, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Audronius Azubalis, who arrives in Latvia on his first visit after taking up office.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Foreign Minister of Lithuania discuss co-operation between diplomatic services of both countries
On 24 February, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Audronius Azubalis, who was in Latvia on his first visit after taking up office.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Secretary of State for European Affairs of France to discuss co-operation within EU and NATO
On 25 February Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will meet with the Secretary of State for European Affairs, Pierre Lellouche, in order to discuss bilateral relations between Latvia and France, as well as co-operation within the context of EU and NATO.
Minister Riekstins welcomes European Commission opinion on Iceland's EU membership application
On 24 February, the European Commission delivered its Opinion (avis) on Iceland's application for membership of the European Union. The European Commission recommends the Council to open accession negotiations with the Republic of Iceland.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins: support to businesses remains a priority for foreign service
On 24 February, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins opened a new round of discussions "Foreign Service for Latvia's exports. Entrepreneurs meet Latvian Ambassadors", this year's focus being on specific sectors of economy with high export capacity.
Ammended: Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Secretary of State for European Affairs of France to discuss co-operation within EU and NATO
On 24 February, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins opened a new round of discussions "Foreign Service for Latvia's exports. Entrepreneurs meet Latvian Ambassadors", this year's focus being on specific sectors of economy with high export capacity.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and EU Affairs Minister of Turkey discuss EU enlargement
On 26 February, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will meet with the EU Affairs Minister and chief negotiator of Turkey, Egemen Bagis, who arrives on a visit in Latvia.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to discuss foreign policy with pupils of Plavinas Gymnasium
On 26 February, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will visit the Plavinas District Gymnasium in order to discuss with pupils of grades 10 to 12 the current developments in foreign policy, and the Foreign Ministry agenda.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Secretary of State for European Affairs of France discuss closer co-operation within EU and NATO
On 25 February, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with the Secretary of State for European Affairs, Pierre Lellouche, who was in Latvia as part of his regional visit.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins reiterates support to Turkey's EU integration
On 26 February, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins meet with the EU Affairs Minister and chief negotiator of Turkey in the EU accession talks, Egemen Bagis, who was in Latvia as part of his visit to the three Baltic states.
Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis and Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins offer condolences over earthquake in Chile
Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis and Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins, on behalf of the Government of Latvia, have sent a letter of condolence to President and Prime Minister of the Republic of Chile, Ms. Verónica Michelle Bachelet Jeria, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mariano Fernández Amunátegui, over the earthquake in the capital of Chile, Concepcion, that claimed the lives of several hundreds of people.
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins invites students to make well-informed decisions on employment opportunities abroad
On 26 February, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with pupils of grades 10 to 12 from the Plavinas District Gymnasium. The visit took place at the invitation of the school and in response to the pupils' interest in the everyday work of the Foreign Ministry and the Minister,
