Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and EU Affairs Minister of Turkey discuss EU enlargement [26 Feb 2010]

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.

During the meeting, the parties will discuss bilateral relations between Latvia and Turkey, the progress of Turkey's EU accession negotiations, as well as Turkey's vision of the situation in neighbouring regions. The ministers will review the process of internal reforms Turkey has to accomplish as a precondition for EU integration, initiatives in domestic policy and foreign policy launched by the state and aimed at securing peace and stability in Turkey and its neighbouring regions, as well as possibilities for further expanding of bilateral relations between both countries.

During his visit, Mr Bagis will meet also with representatives from the European Affairs Commission of the Saeima, and with other senior officials.

On 24-25 February, Turkish the EU Affairs Minister visited Lithuania and Estonia.

Latvia and Turkey enjoy friendly relations. The countries sustain a dynamic political dialogue, and regularly exchange visits. Latvia strongly supports Turkey's accession to the European Union, following a successful completion of accession talks. A priority in relations between the countries is the promotion of economic contacts that have a considerable potential, in view of Turkey's 77 million-strong market. Turkey is a favourite destination for Latvian tourists, and this is facilitated by direct flights Riga-Istanbul, operated by AirBaltic and Turkish Airlines, and a number of charter flights during summer season.

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