President Valdis Zatlers is on a working visit to Israel at the invitation of President Shimon Peres. Latvia's President is participating in a conference marking Israel's sixtieth birthday in Jerusalem. Dr. Zatlers also had a series of important bilateral meetings today.

President Zatlers met with Israeli leaders, including President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

The discussion with President Peres centred on future cooperation in culture and education, with especial emphasis on facilitating an understanding of history. Latvia's President emphasized the importance of Israel's anniversary of statehood in modern history and spoke of the role of the Jewish minority in Latvia in different periods. The two presidents also discussed future support by both governments for the strengthening of the Jewish community's identity in Latvia and the preservation of Jewish cultural treasures in the country. Both heads of state were in agreement with regard to the intensification of cultural relations between Israel and Latvia and the importance of strengthening these ties to the relationship between both states.

Presidents Zatlers and Peres also discussed economic relations, underscoring the need for increased cooperation between the business communities in both countries. The heads of state agreed that the volume of both imports and exports between Israel and Latvia could triple in the next few years.

At the close of their conversation, President Zatlers invited President Peres to Latvia on an official visit.

In his meeting with Prime Minister Olmert, President Zatlers spoke of several aspects in bilateral relations, with an emphasis on cultural ties and cooperation in education. They also discussed the investment climate in Latvia and spheres in which economic ties could be improved. President Zatlers expressed his hope that the Middle East peace process will bear fruit.

Later in the day, President Zatlers participated in the main session of the Presidents Discuss Tomorrow conference.

In his address, Dr. Zatlers spoke of the cultural ties between Latvia and Israel, historical events and figures influencing the history of both countries, and the role of the nation-state in the international community.

"There are many things a small nation can learn from Israel. Today I would like to mention three of the most important. They are: honouring the knowledge of one's national history, being open to the future, and preserving a sense of unity and national identity," President Zatlers said.

Latvia's President also held bilateral talks with the leaders of other European nations, including Dr. Danilo Türk of Slovenia, which currently holds the EU presidency. They discussed current European affairs, including the prospects for the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, as well as Slovenia's foreign policy priorities during its presidency. Drs. Türk and Zatlers also discussed the need for a common EU position in dialogue with the Russian Federation.

President Zatlers also met with Viktor Yushchenko, the President of Ukraine, to discuss Dr. Zatlers' upcoming visit to Ukraine as well as the prospects for improving bilateral ties.

Meeting with Lech Kaczyński, the President of the Republic of Poland, the focus was the possibility of reaching a common European position on issues related to Georgia.

In the evening, the President will participate attend a formal reception and concert in celebration of Israel's birthday.

President's Chancery