Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins reiterates support to Turkey's EU integration [26 Feb 2010]

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.

During the meeting, the parties discussed bilateral relations between Latvia and Turkey, the progress of Turkey's EU accession negotiations, the co-operation within NATO operations, as well Turkey's vision of the situation in neighbouring regions. The ministers expressed satisfaction at the positive and friendly character of the bilateral relations of both countries and their dynamic political dialogue, and reviewed possibilities for closer economic co-operation.

Minister Bagis informed about latest developments in Turkey's negotiations for the accession to the European Union, as well as about the reforms already implemented or planned by the Turkish Government, to meet the criteria for opening new negotiation chapters. Minister Riekstins reiterated Latvia's support to the EU enlargement process and continued negotiations with Turkey. "Any European country which has expressed a wish to join the European Union and has committed itself to undertake internal reforms and to meet the required criteria, should be given such an opportunity.  Latvia supports the opening of new negotiation chapters to enable Turkey to become a member of the European Union," Minister Riekstins indicated.  The EU Affairs Minister of Turkey, for his part, thanked Latvia for its support to the enlargement process of the European Union and noted Turkey's commitment to carry out the necessary reforms. Mr Bagis also pointed out that the European Union, by Turkey's accession, will acquire a partner state with the sixth largest economy in Europe.

After the meeting with Foreign Minister Riekstins, the Turkish minister also met with MPs from the European Affairs Commission of the Saeima, and with Vice Chair of the Reflection Group on the Future of the EU (2020-2030), Vaira Vike-Freiberga.

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