Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to meet new Foreign Minister of Lithuania [23 Feb 2010]

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.

During their meeting, the foreign ministers of the neighbouring countries will discuss bilateral relations, including economic co-operation, in view of the fact that Lithuania is Latvia's most significant trade partner, ranking first both in imports and exports.  Ministers Riekstins and Azubalis are expected to exchange opinions on regional cooperation, including Baltic and Nordic formats. The ministers will also discuss energy and security policy issues, focusing on Baltic energy market interconnection plan. The agenda for the meeting will cover the current EU institutional issues and the development of NATO Strategic Concept.

The Foreign Minister of Lithuania is also expected to meet with other high-ranking Latvian state officials.

Prior to starting his tenure as Foreign Minister, Mr Audronius Azubalis was a journalist and, for three terms, a deputy of the Seimas, during which time he was Head of the Lithuanian delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Mr Azubalis has also been Deputy Chairman and, since 2008, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Seimas. Lithuania's new Foreign Minister is a member of the Homeland Union - Lithuanian Christian Democrats Party.

The traditional friendly relations between Latvia and Lithuania are rooted in common historical and cultural traditions. The dialogue at all levels between officials of both countries has always been dynamic and regular.

For the attention of the media!

09.50 - Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins welcomes Foreign Minister of Lithuania, Audronius Azubalis, in the lobby on the 1^st floor of the Foreign Ministry building. Photo and video opportunity at the beginning.

10.00 – 11.00 Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Foreign Minister of Lithuania Audronius Azubalis meet in Room 309 on the 3^rd floor. Photo and video opportunity before the meeting.

11.00 – 11.15 Press briefing of Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Foreign Minister of Lithuania, Audronius Azubalis in Room 309.

Media representatives are invited to register their participation with the Foreign Ministry Press Centre before 10 a.m. on 24 February by calling 67016 272.

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