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LATVIA TODAY: FOREIGN POLICY NEWS 2 - 6 March 2009 No. 55 |
HEADLINES
Highlights
Latvian President meets with Georgian Deputy Prime Minister
Saeima Speaker on official visit to Japan
Maris Riekstins participates at informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels
Latvian and Egyptian foreign ministers emphasise interest in developing business contacts
Latvia offers rehabilitation programme for children of the Gaza sector
Embassy of Latvia to the Arab Republic of Egypt formally opened
In brief
Foreign Ministry highlights the importance of two-way dialogue in the promotion of constructive Latvia – Russia relations
First Latvian ambassador to Vietnam presents her letter of accreditation to President of Vietnam
Opening of new Court House in Faryab Province of Afghanistan as evidence of first Latvian – European Commission joint financed project
| HIGHLIGHTS |
Latvian President meets with Georgian Vice Prime Minister
On 3 March, Mr Giorgi Baramidze, the Vice Prime Minister and Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of the Republic of Georgia, met with Latvian President Valdis Zatlers.
At the commencement of their meeting, President Zatlers confirmed Latvia's support for Georgia's domestic reforms and foreign policy goals, calling on Tbilisi to continue with the work that is already being done. The President also enquired of Minister Baramidze what Russia is doing in those parts of Georgia that it has occupied, as well as about the steps Georgia is taking as regards reforms that are needed in advance of further integration into NATO and the European Union.
The Georgian minister thanked the President for Latvia's support, stating that Georgia very much welcomes co-operation between the two countries. Vice Prime Minister Baramidze spoke about the situation in Georgia in the wake of the conflict with Russia, about his government's plans to improve the situation, and about reforms that have been launched in the economic and social arena, including the process of developing democracy.
In discussing the situation regarding the Georgia-Russia dispute and the ongoing Russian military presence in Georgia, President Zatlers commended Tbilisi for signing a memorandum of understanding with the mission that the EU has dispatched to Georgia. He said that this will make it possible to reduce tensions in the conflict zones. President Zatlers also called on Georgia to work towards enhancing mutual trust, and also to observe all obligations and promises that are of importance in terms of enhancing the country's credibility.
The President also confirmed that the European Union will continue to support democratic reforms in Georgia, and that it will continue to be actively involved in the search for a peaceful settlement to the conflict and for ways in which the security situation in Georgia may be improved. The Embassy of Latvia in Georgia now also serves as the Contact Point Embassy for NATO in that country and Latvia will be an active supporter of Georgia's aspirations to join the Alliance, the President said.
President's Chancery, 3 March 2009
Saeima Speaker on official visit to Japan
Speaker of the Saeima Gundars Daudze commenced his official visit to Japan on 2 March. This is the first such senior parliamentary level visit to Japan.
Mr Gundars Daudze was on this visit to Japan at the invitation of the Japanese Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yohei Kono.
Commencing the visit, the Saeima delegation met with Yasuo Hayashi, chairman of the Japan External Trade Organization with whom discussions took place regarding possibilities for intensifying economic co-operation between both states. The Japanese side pointed to the interest of local entrepreneurs in investing in Latvia's economy, as the high exchange value of the yen is forcing Japanese businesses to search for investment opportunities abroad.
For his part, the Speaker of the Saeima invited Japanese businessmen to consider the advantages of Latvia's geographic location and developed transport and logistics infrastructure: "In the present circumstances of global economic and financial crisis, Latvia and Japan can discover new, mutually beneficial business opportunities. Both countries have good infrastructures for co-operation and it is important to take advantage of the potential for co-operation in the fields of transport and logistics, the timber industry, dairy produce, and tourism."
On 4 March at Waseda University in Tokyo, Mr Gundars Daudze opened the photographic exhibition organised by the Japanese-Latvian Music Association and Waseda University and dedicated to the Latvian Song and Dance Festival 'Dziedot mūžu nodzīvoju' (A Lifetime of Song). The photographic exhibition was first presented in Japan last November during the Riga Days in Kobe, which were opened by Riga Mayor Janis Birks.
The University of Latvia has concluded an agreement with Waseda University which provides opportunities for Latvian and Japanese student exchanges.
The choir of the Japanese – Latvian Music Association included graduates of the Waseda University. The Association, which was founded some four years ago, works actively to popularise Latvian music and culture in Japan. In collaboration with the Latvian Embassy in Japan, there are regular concerts at the embassy, as well as regular weekly Latvian language classes for Japanese people. The association has presented the embassy with pianos, which are used during these recitals.
On 3 March, Mr Daudze met with both the parliamentary speaker Yohei Kono as well as with Satsuki Eda, the President of the Senate of the Japanese parliament.
Meeting with Yohei Kono, Gundars Daudze expressed his thanks for the invitation to visit Japan. Mr Daudze expressed his pleasure at the successful development of relations between both nations, noting in particular the 2007 visit to Latvia by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, which was of great historic significance to both nations.
During the meeting, the parties discussed Latvian and Japanese co-operation in the areas of economics and culture. Mr Daudze pointed to the now historically successful co-operation between the cities of Riga and Kobe. Both nations have also developed traditionally successful exchanges in culture and education. The Speaker of the Saeima expressed his gratitude for the organising of Japanese cultural events in Latvia, including the provision of Japanese language learning opportunities to Latvian educational institutions.
The Latvian Speaker indicated that Latvia is interested in the development of economic co-operation with Japan, taking note that Japan is the world's second largest economy. The Speaker mentioned possible areas of co-operation as being pharmaceuticals, transit and logistics, tourism, vehicle assembly and the timber industry. Both sides were of the opinion that the planned charter flights from Tokyo to Riga in the summer could open many opportunities for Japanese tourists to visit Latvia, and for entrepreneurs of both countries to develop professional contacts.
On 4 March Mr Daudze met with Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Hirofumi Nakasone, Minister for Health, Labour, and Welfare Yoichi Masuzoe, Vice-President of the Democratic Party of Japan Seiji Maehara and with parliamentary members of the Japanese-Latvian Friendship Association.
Japanese Foreign Minister Nakasone expressed his high evaluation of the active political dialogue between Latvia and Japan, including the close co-operation between the parliaments of both countries.
The Speaker of the Saeima pointed to the development of relations and the notable investment of both diplomatic representations in their respective host countries, which is another reason why Latvia values most highly the decision by the Japanese government to appoint a resident ambassador to Latvia.
"We are delighted that in his position as Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr Nakasone continues as Chairman of the Japan -Latvia Parliamentary Friendship Association" emphasised Mr Daudze.
For his part, Japan's Foreign Minister noted the close co-operation at municipal level, with examples of actual co-operation projects between Riga and Kobe, as well as between the towns of Rujiena and Higashikawa. This year Riga is to host the Kobe Days, and in the summer a delegation from the city of Higashikawa will visit Rujiena.
Within the framework of his official visit to Japan, Speaker of the Saeima Gundars Daudze also had an audience with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.
The Speaker of the Saeima noted that Latvian and Japanese relations have a long history. Japan was among the first nations to recognise Latvia de facto in 1919. "From the time when Latvia, as an independent nation, and Japan commenced and developed their relationship, notwithstanding the 50 years of occupation, links between both states have never been broken" stated Gundars Daudz.
The Emperor of Japan noted that to this date he still has vivid memories of his 2007 visit to Latvia. One of his most impressive recollections was of his visit to the Occupation Museum. The museum contains artefacts which were once given to deported Latvians by Japanese prisoners of war.
Mr Daudze thanked his Japanese hosts for the opportunity of an official visit to Japan and very much appreciated the warmth of his reception. Emperor Akihito thanked the Chairman of the Saeima for the gift of a Sash of Lielvarde, to which Empress Michiko added that the symbolism evident in the sash reflected many similarities to ancient Japanese traditions.
The Saeima, 1- 6 March 2009
The Embassy of Latvia to Japan, 3 March 2009
Maris Riekstins participates at informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels
On 5 March, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins took part in the informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels. At the meeting the major focus was on preparations for the forthcoming summit of NATO Heads of State and Government, the situation in Afghanistan, and NATO – Russia relations. Within the framework of the meeting, the NATO - Georgia and NATO - Ukraine commissions also held talks.
In discussing the situation in Afghanistan, the ministers emphasised the necessity for both NATO and the international community at large to invest more effort towards the improvement of the security situation, particularly in the context of the forthcoming presidential elections in Afghanistan. Speaking about the involvement of states within the region, Foreign Minister Riekstins invited a greater focus of attention on the role of Central Asian states in the stabilisation of Afghanistan, noting especially the close relationships of these states with Afghanistan and its community.
During the meeting the ministers reviewed the relationship with Russia, and evaluated developments since the last meeting of ministers in December 2008. The ministers moved for the renewal of political dialogue with Russia, including the organisation of a meeting of the NATO – Russia Council at ministerial level, to follow the NATO member state meeting in April 2009.
The ministers were agreed that in the dialogue with Russia it is necessary to discuss not only matters of mutual interest, but also to discuss issues on which the NATO position differs from that of Russia, including the question of Russia's obligations with regard to the normalisation of the Russia – Georgia conflict.
The foreign ministers also debated the Declaration on Alliance Security, which is planned for ratification at the Summit Meeting of NATO Heads of State and Government in Strasbourg, France and Kehl, Germany from 3-4 April 2009. Ratification of the declaration will be the first step in the elaboration of a NATO Strategic Concept. Since the ratification of the existing Strategic Concept in 1999, the international security situation has changed quite radically and NATO has been expanded a number of times. A new strategic concept is necessary so that NATO may be able to deal more effectively with international security challenges. "In addressing the new challenges, it is important to maintain the core collective security tasks of NATO, maintaining a balance between the ongoing capacity for implementing operations and defending the interests of the member states within the territory of NATO," emphasised Foreign Minister Riekstins.
At the meeting with Georgian and Ukrainian colleagues the NATO foreign ministers reviewed the achievements of both nations in the process of reforms. The ministers confirmed their support for Georgian and Ukrainian moves towards Euro-Atlantic integration and expressed readiness to commence work soon on the implementation of the Annual National Program (for membership), on which agreement had been achieved late last year.
The NATO – Georgia Commission was the forum at which the ministers debated the security situation in various conflict zones. Addressing the NATO – Georgia Commission as a representative of the NATO Contact Point Embassy, Minister Riekstins noted the positive decisions concerning the extension of mandates for both the OSCE and the UN missions. At the same time Minister Riekstins emphasised the necessity of boosting further the international presence throughout the entire territory of Georgia, and in guaranteeing the uninterrupted access by OSCE observers to South Ossetia.
While at the meeting, Foreign Minister Riekstins also had the opportunity for an exchange of views at bilateral level with other foreign ministers, including the U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, and the Canadian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lawrence Cannon.
MFA, 4 March 2009
Latvian and Egyptian foreign ministers emphasise mutual interest in developing business contacts
On 1 March, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with the Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Minister for International Co-operation Faiza Abou El Naga, as well as General-Secretary Amr Musa of the Arab States League. The meeting took place during the working visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt by Minister Riekstins.
In discussing the relationship between the two countries with the Egyptian ministers, Minister Riekstins noted that Latvia is interested in augmenting the existing political dialogue with active economic co-operation by facilitating direct contacts between entrepreneurs in various economic sectors. "Tourism statistics confirm that the Arab Republic of Egypt is the most popular tourist destination for Latvians – with some 60 thousand visitors from Latvia in the past year. It is in our interests to develop the flow of tourists in both directions, as well as the entry of Egyptian businesses into the Latvian market" said the Latvian foreign minister.
As an additional impulse to the development of relations between Latvia and Arab countries, in the generating of contacts in various spheres and in the provision of consular assistance to Latvian citizens, Minister Riekstins mentioned the opening of the Latvian embassy in Cairo, which has been representing Latvia's interests in the Arab Republic of Egypt for one year now and is the only Latvian embassy on the African continent.
During the visit, the foreign ministers Riekstins and Ahmed Aboul Gheit signed an agreement on co-operation in education and science between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Minister Riekstins also confirmed Latvia's interest in drafting guidelines for the further development of visa-free travel for bearers of diplomatic passports.
During the talks the ministers exchanged views on regional issues, including the role of Egypt in the stabilisation of the Middle East conflict. The situation in Gaza and the initiatives for achieving peace, as well as international engagement in finding solutions to the human crisis in the Gaza sector were the main discussion points at the meeting between Latvia's Foreign Minister and General-Secretary Amr Musa of the Arab States League.
MFA, 2 March 2009
Latvia offers rehabilitation programme for children of the Gaza sector
On 2 March, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins took part in the International Conference for the Support of the Reconstruction of Gaza.
The aim of the conference, held at the initiative of Egypt, was to bring international attention to the progress of the peace process in the Middle East and on the necessity of finding a long term solution, and in addition, to engage international organisations and the member states of these organisations in the reconstruction of the Gaza sector, with the provision of humanitarian aid and restoration of the infrastructure.
At the conference a number of pledges of financial assistance for the reconstruction of the Gaza sector were made, as informed by Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the EU Commissioner for External Relations and by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who, as regards the Middle East crisis, underlined the committed approach and openness to dialogue of the new U.S. President Barack Obama. Contributions by countries towards the solution of the human crisis in Gaza have also included offers of humanitarian aid, including the evacuation of the injured, as well as de-mining of the area.
At the conference, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins proposed an offer of a rehabilitation programme for the children of Gaza, who could receive the necessary care in Latvia, thus bringing attention to the humanitarian aspect and constituting Latvia's contribution towards international efforts in helping to restore normal living conditions in the Gaza. "By making use of existing resources in Latvia and our experience in areas such as health care, we can also send a political signal that, like other countries of the European Union and in other parts of the world, we are not indifferent to the crisis in the Middle East. At the same time we are able to offer practical and much needed assistance," pointed out Foreign Minister Riekstins.
MFA, 2 March 2009
Embassy of Latvia to the Arab Republic of Egypt formally opened
At the conclusion of his visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins formally opened the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in Cairo, which has been operating since early 2007. In mid 2008 the Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia, Maris Selga, presented his credentials, and in September 2008 he was also installed as Ambassador to the League of Arab States.
At the opening ceremony, which was attended by staff members of the Embassy as well as the Honorary Consul of Latvia to Egypt, Mr Saad El Aguizy, the Latvian Foreign Minister highlighted the potential of co-operation between the two states, and the role of the Embassy in fostering contacts with representatives from business, culture, education and other fields.
Statistics indicate that over the last year approximately 60 thousand tourists from Latvia visited Egypt. This is why the Embassy plays a vital role in the provision of consular assistance to Latvian visitors.
MFA, 3 March 2009
| IN BRIEF |
Foreign Ministry highlights the importance of two-way dialogue in the promotion of constructive Latvia – Russia relations
On 5 March, political consultations took place between the foreign ministries of Latvia and Russia. The leader of the Latvian delegation, State Secretary of the Foreign Ministry Andris Teikmanis and the leader of the Russian side, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Vladimir Titov discussed the development of mutual political dialogue, both past and future, as well as the key issues relating to practical co-operation between the two countries.
Both sides welcomed the exchange of visits by foreign ministers, as well as the close practical co-operation which has evolved between state institutions of both countries. It was agreed that this kind of co-operation should be continued, and that this year there could be a further meeting between foreign ministers where an intergovernmental agreement could also be signed, for example, an agreement on the simplification of trans-border travel for inhabitants of border areas. Work must also be continued on draft economic agreements, as well as draft projects on co-operation in recovery from a state of emergency and on co-operation in combating terrorism and organised crime.
The positive dynamic of trade was also evaluated, and both sides acknowledged that the Latvia and Russia Intergovernmental Commission has a significant role in the resolution of practical issues. It is anticipated that the next meeting of the said commission will take place in July, in Riga.
The Latvian State Secretary and the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister were in agreement that the work of the of the Border Demarcation Commission and the Combined Commission as provided for in the Agreement on Burial Places should begin as soon as possible. For a more effective operation of the latter, the Latvian side drew attention to the importance compiling of a list of burial places.
Mr Teikmanis emphasised the importance of the involvement of Russian experts in the investigation of displaced Latvian cultural historic heritage now located in Russia. Both sides agreed that a meeting between Latvian and Russian archive representatives should be held, in order to discuss existing issues and to reach an agreement on further mutual co-operation.
During the consultations both sides exchanged opinions on co-operation between the EU and Russia, as well as on NATO and Russia, and in addition reviewed current international events.
MFA, 5 March 2009
First Latvian ambassador to Vietnam presents her letter of accreditation to President of Vietnam
On 3 March in Hanoi, Latvia's Ambassador Ingrida Levrence presented her letter of accreditation to President Nguyen Minh Triet of Vietnam, thus becoming the first Latvian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to this nation.
During the meeting with the President of Vietnam, both officials discussed prospects for co-operation in the areas of trade, transport, and medicine.
Within the parameters of her accreditation visit, Ambassador Levrence also plans to meet with Vietnam's ministers for foreign affairs, transport, trade, and health.
The Latvian Ambassador resides in Beijing in the People's Republic of China, where she has been accredited since January this year.
Embassy of Latvia to China, 3 March 2009
Opening of new Court House in Faryab Province of Afghanistan as evidence of first Latvian – European Commission joint financed project
On 1 March in the south-western province of Faryab in Afghanistan, the new law courts for the Qaysar district, jointly financed by Latvia and the European Commission, were officially declared open. The ceremony was attended by Latvia's Foreign Ministry Policy and Development Advisor Valts Vitums, representatives of the Afghanistan judicial system, officials from both the Qaysar district and Faryab Province, members of the local community and also the clergy.
Thanks to the implementation of this project the Qaysar district court of Faryab Province has gained a modern, secure, new, and bright building which all augurs well as a pre-condition for healthy legal deliberation.
This is the first completed of three new commissioned Court Houses for the project by the Agency for Technical Co-operation and Development (ACTED) on the strengthening of the judicial system in the Faryab Provincial districts of Qaysar, Gurziwan, and Shirin Tagab. Completely new two-storey buildings with all furnishings are being built within the ACTED project. At the same time, special training courses are being offered to judges and prosecutors.
Total project expenses are valued at EUR 500,000, of which EUR 100,000 are from the Latvian government and from the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Latvia, with the remaining EUR 400,000 coming from the European Commission, which has identified the strengthening of legal capacity as one of its priority areas for assistance to Afghanistan.
According to information supplied by ACTED, the completion of building and furnishing the remaining two court houses is expected within the next two months.
MFA, 2 March 2009
| COMING EVENTS |
| 15 – 16 March 2009 |
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to participate in the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) meeting, Brussels |
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The newsletter "Latvia today: foreign policy news" is a compilation of press releases and news reports drawn from the media and official sources. The views published do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs