Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Estonian Foreign Minister discuss co-operation regarding joint diplomatic representations [11 Mar 2010]

The ministers looked at the full spectrum of bilateral relations and gave a positive estimate of their development, delineating also the areas to be enhanced. Mr Riekstins and Mr Paet shared the opinion that from a future perspective the upcoming Co-operation Report was to be regarded as a road map for the promotion of the Latvian-Estonian co-operation in specific sectors, including culture and education. The drafting of the report was commissioned by the Prime Ministers of Latvia and Estonia, and the persons placed in charge of this task are the Foreign Ministry Political Director Andris Razans, for Latvia, and   Managing Director of the BNS news agency Anvar Samost, for Estonia. Minister Riekstins indicated that as early as during the drafting stage of the document, it was vital to raise its visibility for the wider public as well as to thoroughly consider implementation aspects.

During their discussion, the Foreign Ministers expressed gratification at the joint renting of facilities for representations of Latvia and Estonia in Cairo (Egypt). This is the first project of this type between the Baltic states, and others could eventually follow. Mr Riekstins and Mr Paet reviewed co-operation possibilities on consular issues and issuing the Schengen visas. Minister Riekstins accepted the proposal from the Estonian side to represent Latvia in the issuance of the Schengen visas in Sofia (Bulgaria), where Latvia does not have its own representation.

Particular attention was devoted to evaluating the Baltic and Nordic co-operation (NB8), which is one of the priorities for the presidency of the Baltic Council of Ministers for 2010. Minister Riekstins proposed to evaluate the regional formats in order to raise the effectiveness of regional co-operation and to make the NB8 partnership more meaningful.

The ministers also discussed the current issues on the European Union agenda, with a particular focus on the formation of the European External Action Service and the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty.

Photographs form the meeting: http://www.flickr.com/photos/latvianmfa/4421704871/