Highlights Latvia's President on a working visit to Denmark Latvia's President Discusses Human Rights, Economics, and Sports in Switzerland Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis on a working visit to Germany The Prime Ministers of the Baltic states sign a Joint Declaration on the Formation of the Common Baltic Energy Market Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins emphasises the role of co-operation between national governments and regional and international organisations in the combating of piracy Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins attends GAERC meeting in Luxembourg Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins takes part in meeting of Baltic and Benelux state Foreign Ministers
In brief Latvia plans to ratify the UN Protocol on Explosive Remnants of War
Latvia's President on working visit to Denmark President Valdis Zatlers was on a one-day working visit to Denmark on 30 April 2009 for a meeting with Her Majesty, Queen Margrethe II. The President of Latvia invited the Queen of Denmark to attend the next Latvian Song and Dance Festival which is to take place in 2013. President Zatlers also thus became the first foreign official to meet with Denmark's new Prime Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen. Both senior officials discussed the economic situation in the world, focusing on how the economic decline has affected their countries. President Zatlers explained the situation in Latvia and stated that major reforms in both countries are helping them to move forward. The two government officials agreed that economic protectionism has no future. They particularly focused on the Baltic energy market, with the Danish prime minister praising Latvia for the pan-Baltic agreement on an electricity connection with Sweden. President Zatlers and Prime Minister Rasmussen also talked about climate change, focusing on the UN conference on the subject that will take place in Copenhagen at the end of this year. The two officials agreed that there must be a unified and all-encompassing global approach to climate change issues. While in Copenhagen, President Zatlers also had a chance to discuss financial matters with the president of the Danish parliament, Thor Pedersen. The two men also discussed the European Union's Eastern Partnership Programme, as well as energy policies in the Baltic Sea Region. President Zatlers particularly thanked Mr Pedersen for his active support for the Baltic states in the early 1990s. The president also met with representatives of the Latvian community in Denmark. They told him that their organisation creates a sense of family and promotes their ability to maintain patriotism outside of Latvia. Representatives of the Latvian community in Lund and Malmö, Sweden, were also present for the meeting. Finally, President Zatlers met with Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who will soon become the Secretary-General of NATO. The two men talked about issues facing the alliance. The President also appeared before the Danish Foreign Policy Association, speaking on the subject "Latvia During the Global Economic Decline: Difficulties as an Opportunity for Development." President's Chancery, 29 April 2009 Latvia's President Discusses Human Rights, Economics, and Sports in Switzerland President Valdis Zatlers was in Switzerland on 27 April 2009, to meet with Navanethem (Navi) Pillay, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. She spoke highly of Latvia's achievements in the field of human rights, also thanking President Zatlers for Latvia's participation in preparing a group of friends for the conference in Durban where anti-racism efforts were reviewed. She also spoke highly of the support, which Latvia has given to her office. President Zatlers, for his part, noted that Latvia would be interested in seeking a position on the UN's Human Rights Council in 2014. As the two officials discussed human rights issues in Latvia and the world, Commissioner Pillay was particularly interested in what the President had to say about ecumenical traditions in Latvia. Three months after his participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Zatlers had the opportunity to meet again with forum chairman Klaus Schwab. The President and Mr Schwab discussed economic challenges and tendencies in Latvia and the world. Mr Schwab noted that there is an increasing interest in the forum, which he hosts, adding that he hopes that President Zatlers will continue to take part. In Lausanne, the President met with representatives of the Latvian Olympic Committee, as well as with Jacques Rogge, the president of the International Olympic Committee. The officials discussed ways in which representatives of the Baltic states could become more actively involved in the affairs of the IOC. Mr Rogge was informed about sports organisations in Latvia and the government's relations with sports-related institutions. The IOC president said that there are no problems in relations with Latvian colleagues, and he spoke highly of how sports are organised in Latvia. There was also a discussion of how the economic crisis is affecting the international Olympic movement, as well as of a new IOC initiative – Youth Olympics that are to be held in Singapore in 2010. President Zatlers noted that Latvia's government has supported similar youth events in Latvia. During each of these meetings, President Zatlers invited Commissioner Pillay, Mr Schwab and Mr Rogge to visit Latvia. President's Chancery, 27 April 2009 Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis on a working visit to Germany On 29 April, as part of a one-day Working Visit to Germany, Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis held meetings with representatives of the German banking sector. The representatives of the German financial sector rated very highly Prime Minister Dombrovskis' not quite 100 days in office with regard to a review of the budget expenditures, the commencement of structural reforms, as well as on achievements to date with regard to the stabilisation of the banking sector, including the Parex Bank issue. The German side confirmed its long-term interest in both the Latvian and the Baltic market, but of course, any and all investments in present day economic circumstances are to be thoroughly evaluated, taking into account the level of participation by the host country and the local sector contribution to any joint project financing. Experts in finance for the German side categorically spoke out against any possible devaluation of the lat, an opinion confirmed by Prime Minister Dombrovskis, who added that any question of devaluation of the lat is not being looked at nor even being considered. During the meeting, representatives of the German banking sector evaluated Latvia as a positive investment environment and as a market in total, noting especially the highly qualified Latvian workforce. A prognosis is circulating that, despite Latvia is experiencing an economic crisis, there is a possibility that it will be among the first to emerge from this, taking note of the government's active capacity and also its geo-political positioning between Russia and the European Union. Representatives of the German financial sector pointed out that if Latvia's initiated structural reforms are carried out as planned, then this will improve the international evaluation of Latvia's financial market. During the meeting, both sides exchanged information about the comparative financial situation in Latvia and in Germany. Prime Minister Dombrovskis informed his hosts about the various scenarios for budget expenditure cutbacks and about those particular parts of the budget expenditure associated with social concerns such as pensions, which will not be reduced. The German side indicated its interest not only in the financial situation in Latvia but also with regard to the current social environment. The German Banking Association was represented by 'Deutsche Bank', 'Landesbank Berlin AG', 'Alianz SE', 'Global Banking', the German reconstruction bank Kfw, 'Commerzbank AG', 'Unicredit Group HypoVereins Bank', the German savings bank association, the German postal enterprise, the German stock exchange, and representatives of the Humboldt University in Berlin. Prime Minister Dombrovskis' visit continued on to a scheduled meeting with Germany's Chancellor, Dr Angela Merkel, who expressed Germany's strong support for Latvia in its negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, and the European Commission, emphasising that the requirements of international lenders must not lead to any deepening of the recession nor be allowed to interfere in the social balance of the community. Chancellor Merkel displayed a deep interest in Latvia's internal political situation and processes – on issues regarding social structural reforms, the levels of unemployment, the levels of pensions and social support, as well as on solutions being offered by the Latvian government. Chancellor Merkel expressed the position, that by her understanding of the situation in Latvia, she does not consider it possible that Latvia would be able to fulfil its promises of 2008 and agreements with international lenders, under present economic circumstances, with an economic decline of -12% compared to the GNP decline of - 5%, which was the prognosis at the end of 2008. The German Chancellor emphasised that it is unrealistic of Latvia to be able to honour its agreed to commitments and, taking note of the changes in the economic situation, this should not be expected of Latvia. Chancellor Merkel indicated that Germany will stand in support of an intelligent resolution in searching for changes in the terms of receipt of international loans. Prime Minister Dombrovskis emphasised: "the support to Latvia by Germany, as the largest European Union member state, is most important. Latvia is presently maintaining good progress and must work to be able to receive the loan, so as to achieve the necessary activities in accordance with the plan as agreed with the international lenders." Mr Dombrovsksis emphasised that Latvia sees opportunities to restructure part of the 7.5 Billion EUR international loans, the greater amount of this being used to cover the deficit in the state budget. Chancellor Merkel informed her Latvian colleague that Germany has today received a new forecast on the economic decline this year, which had previously been forecast at about – 2.25% but on this day, the German GNP is forecast to fall by – 6%. The economic situation is presently one of the major themes in the German political environment. Chancellor Merkel informed Mr Dombrovskis that 2010 will be a difficult year for Germany's economy and unemployment is expected to increase. The German government is planning solutions to implement in the case of a worsening economy. This issue was also discussed further in a later a meeting with Germany's Minister for Economy, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg. During their meeting, Chancellor Merkel also indicated an interest in the political support for reforms in Latvia and the balance of political influences in Latvia. This question was also discussed in the later meeting with German Economics minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg who emphasised that parliamentary support is very important in the present economic situation. Valdis Dombrovskis informed his hosts that the coalition government in Latvia is made up of five political parties which, together, and in full understanding of the situation, are seriously working together on structural reforms and budget amendments, and that the Latvian government hopes to receive parliamentary support for the planned budget amendments. In the discussion, Chancellor Merkel expressed her support for the creation of a common Baltic energy market and for its integration with the European Union energy market, especially as on 27 April, the three Baltic prime ministers signed an agreement in Vilnius on the principles and planned activities in the creation of the Baltic energy market. Chancellor Merkel added that the opening of the Baltic energy market will, in future, require Russia to be more pragmatic in its relations as a supplier of energy to European countries. During the talks, mention was also made of the Latvia—Russia border demarcation issue. The Latvian side expressed the point of view that it is important for Russian to complete its work towards the formation of its demarcation commission. Prime Minister Dombrovskis informed his hosts that for its part, Latvia has already completed the necessary groundwork. Prime Minister Dombrovskis and Chancellor Merkel were of one mind that it is necessary to commence consultations and to search for solutions at EU level on the question of direct payments to dairy farmers – a question which is important not only for Latvia but also to other EU member states. Mr Dombrovskis presented a case for the levelling out of direct payments to Latvian farmers. The issue of investments and export distribution in connection with the transit sector is among Latvia's most important economic policy priorities. Latvia has already realised projects with regard to cargo delivery in co-operation with the German Deutsche Bahn and DB Schenker. The project "New Silk Road" was also discussed with Chancellor Merkel. This project is being realised as a new transit enterprise – combining rail networks with sea transit routes, and incorporating Latvian ports. Cargo is transported from Germany through Latvia and further on to China. Prime Minister Dombrovskis expressed the opinion that Latvia is interested to further develop its involvement in this project. On 13 May, a discussion is planned in Munich with regard to Baltic logistics issues and this project will be on the agenda. Mr Dombrovskis and Chancellor Merkel also discussed aspects of co-operation in the area of renewable energy resources. The Chancellor informed her guest that Germany has a great interest to develop co-operation in this sphere. Both sides assessed the soon-to-be-created International Renewal of Energy Agency (IRENA) general secretariat for which Germany has nominated a candidate for the post of Secretary-General. Latvia is also a member of this agency and supports Germany's proposed candidate for the position of Secretary-General as being among the strongest of possible choices. During their discussions the issue of the creation of a High Level Advisory Group was also touched upon. Presently it is being formed as a consultancy resource to the Latvian government with the goal of making recommendations to the government and to provide future possible scenarios. During these discussions it was disclosed that leading German economics and political experts are prepared to serve on the High Level Advisors Group. Both senior officials discussed the approaching European Parliament elections, the European Commission elections as well as the continuation of the ratification process of the Treaty of Lisbon. Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis met also with the Federal German Minister for Economics and Technology, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg. Both senior officials agreed on the necessity to organise, in the nearest future, a visit to Germany by the Latvian Minister for Economy to be accompanied by a delegation of businessmen, so as to learn the latest information and to gain knowledge on the introduction of export credit guarantees and associated issues in which Germany has great experience. The Cabinet of Ministers, 28 April 2009 The Prime Ministers of the Baltic states sign a Joint Declaration on the Formation of the Common Baltic Energy Market On 27 April, the Prime Ministers of the three Baltic states met in Vilnius in order to participate in a broader discussion on the formation of the common Baltic energy market. In closing, Valdis Dombrovskis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, Andrus Ansip, Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia, and Andrius Kubilius, Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania, signed a Joint Declaration on the Principles for the Formation of the Common Baltic Energy Market and Actions for the Implementation of the Main Energy Projects. The Declaration envisages the creation of an open and transparent Baltic electricity market and its integration into the Nordic electricity market in line with the relevant EU legislation. The Baltic states have expressed their commitment to abandon energy tariffs for 35% of consumers in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania by including also the large energy consumers. "Latvia has already opened its energy market, and by the end of this year the same is planned in Estonia and Lithuania. This is a "turning point" for the more rapid development of the Nordic-Baltic energy market." The Latvian Prime Minister urged his Baltic partners to engage more actively in eliminating market barriers and to jointly work on the formation of an open Nordic-Baltic energy market. The Declaration also urges the energy companies of Latvia, Lithuania and Sweden to promptly launch the Baltic-Swedish interconnection project, which is of strategic importance to the energy security of the Baltic states. This will be a trilateral energy infrastructure project in which energy companies from Latvia, Lithuania and Sweden will participate on equal terms. Mr Dombrovskis expressed the following position: "The common energy market in the Baltic region and the setting up of interconnections with the Scandinavian market will enhance energy security and diversity of the energy sources". During a round-table discussion Mr Dombrovskis acknowledged the fact that the three Baltic states have joined forces to strengthen energy security and to agree on concrete steps and deadlines for the harmonisation of the Baltic electricity market. The Head of the Latvian Government also expressed his gratitude to the European Commission for its contribution to strengthening energy-related contacts and co-operation in the Baltic Region. "By creating the common energy market, the Baltic states will implement the EU standards and promote investments for new interconnections," said Dombrovskis. The Latvian Prime Minister urged his Baltic partners to ensure a more dynamic progress of joint energy projects, including the Visaginas nuclear power plant project, on which an agreement was reached in 2006 in Trakai, as well as to start construction of the interconnection between Lithuania and Poland. The Baltic Prime Ministers agreed on the necessity to organise a separate meeting devoted to the Visaginas project by inviting the Head of the Polish Government. The Cabinet of Ministers, 24 – 27 April 2009
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins emphasises the role of co-operation between national governments and regional and international organisations in the combating of piracy On 29 April, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins participated in the 19th EU- Gulf state Co-operation Council (GCC) and Ministerial Meeting which this year took place at Muscat, in the Sultanate of Oman. The meeting agenda focussed attention of issues such as the Middle East peace process, the situations in Iraq, Iran, and Yemen, the fight against global terrorism and on the non-proliferation of weapons on mass destruction, human rights and inter-cultural dialogue. The foreign ministers of the EU and of the Gulf states also exchanged views on the global financial and economic crisis and on possible solutions. The plenary session of the EU and Gulf state foreign ministers discussed the issue of the threat to international shipping by acts of piracy which have noticeably increased in recent times, in particular off the coast of Somalia. Minister Riekstins emphasised the role of co-operation between national governments, regional and international organisations as well as the private sector in the resolution of this question. "The situation in Somalia has not been appropriately evaluated. In this case, the international community must look at the root causes of piracy which is based on political aspects as well as on questions of security", accented the foreign minister. Mr Riekstins emphasised the importance of co-operation among international donors in strengthening the national institutions around the Gulf of Aden in the fight against piracy as well as in searching for solutions to social and economic questions, noting the proceedings of donor's conference in Brussels last week. At the same time, the minister, together with other EU and Gulf state partners focussed attention on the legal issue of calling Iraq to account and as a significant step, mentioning the agreement between the EU and Kenya. Foreign Minister Riekstins expressed support to the initiative by the U.S. Secretary of State in the creation of a contact group in the fight against piracy off the coast of Somalia. On 29 April, within the setting of the European Union and Gulf state Co-operation Council meeting, Latvia's Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins held a bilateral meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Kuwait, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. The meeting took place at the initiative of Latvia. During their meeting the main focus of attention was on the development of a legal framework for the development of economic co-operation and contact between entrepreneurs of both Latvia and Kuwait. Minister Riekstins noted Latvia's interest in signing a bilateral convention on the avoidance of double taxation with regard to taxes on income and capital gains, as well as to commence negotiations with regard to an agreement on air traffic. Both sides agreed on the possibility of a visit to Kuwait by a delegation of Latvian business representatives, quite possibly in the autumn of this year, so as to search for new ways and means in promoting Latvia and Latvian products to the Gulf region. At the same time, the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister expressed an interest to search for co-operation opportunities in the area of education and science, especially in the sphere of higher education. Minister Riekstins informed his colleague that Latvia is able to offer competitive educational programmes and invited representatives from Kuwait to visit Latvia and to explore these possibilities. MFA, 29 April 2009
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins attends GAERC meeting in Luxembourg On 27 April, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins participated in the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) meeting in Luxembourg. During the GAERC meeting, the EU foreign ministers discussed the status of Croatia's EU accession negotiations, the realisation of EU neighbourhood policy, as well as questions associated with the planned 7 May Prague Summit on the Eastern Partnership, and the EU Employment Summit as well as the 8 May planned EU Troika and Southern Corridor meeting of partnership states. The Middle East peace process and the situations in Burma/Myanmar and Sri Lanka were also on the discussions agenda. In discussing the Croatia - EU accession negotiations, the progress of which is presently being delayed by the Croatia-Slovenia sea border question, member states have noted the contribution of the EU Commissioner responsible for enlargement, Olli Rehn, and the suggested resolutions, which would allow for an acceptable agreement between both parties. On the basis of the annual report of the European Commission on the achievements in European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) in 2008 and on the results of reforms in each of the ENP states, the foreign ministers continued their discussion on the realisation of European Neighbourhood Policy. Latvia rates especially highly two of the initiatives from 2008 within the framework of the ENP – the Eastern Partnership and the Union for the Mediterranean. These new initiatives play a significant role in the strengthening of the EU and its neighbourhood state relations. Foreign Minister Riekstins noted that for Latvia it is important to continue developing a closer co-operation with the Eastern neighbour states, to realise joint projects within the framework of the Eastern Partnership, and to offer political support for the path of reforms in each of the Eastern Partnership member states. In evaluating the issue of human rights abuses in Burma/Myanmar, the EU foreign ministers voted to extend by another 12 months the existing sanctions against Burma/Myanmar. In preparation for the planned 7 May Prague Summit on the Eastern Partnership, the EU foreign ministers emphasised the political significance of this initiative. The Eastern Partnership summit will facilitate the realisation of the Council of Europe resolution to realise the Eastern Partnership thus envisaging a stronger and more active EU policy implementation with the eastern states of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The GAERC summit also debated the further directions of the Middle East peace process, the situation in Gaza, as well as U.S. and EU contributions to the facilitation of the peace process. Taking note of the ever increasing cases of illegal immigration in the Mediterranean region, the EU member state foreign ministers emphasised the necessity to discuss this issue no only within the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council but also within GAERC, and to look at the external relations aspects, including the possibility of concluding readmission agreements with third states. Similarly, the foreign ministers focussed attention on the possible involvement of the EU in the fight against the increase in piracy off the coast of Somalia. The GAERC working luncheon was the setting for ministerial discussions on the outcome of the 5 April informal Heads of State and Heads of Government meetings with the U.S. President, also on the political and economic situation in Ukraine, and EU – Moldova relations, noting especially the 5 April parliamentary elections in Moldova. The EU foreign ministers also evaluated the outcome of the Durban Review Conference, which took place in Geneva from 20 – 24 April. Within the GAERC framework, on 27 April, the EU – Egypt Association Council meeting and the EU – Croatia Stabilisation and Association Council meetings are scheduled to take place. On 28 April, the EU – African Union three-way meeting and the EU – Russia Permanent Partnership Council meeting are scheduled. Read | Other link | Other link MFA, 24 April 2009 Council of the European Union, 27 April 2009
Baltic and Benelux foreign ministers focus attention on EU co-operation with Eastern Partnership states On 26 April, the meeting of Baltic and Benelux Foreign Ministers took place in the Castle of Vianden in Luxembourg. At this meeting the foreign ministers from Belgium, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands discussed current issues of the EU within the framework of the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). The major focus of attention was directed to the Eastern Partnership initiative of the EU, the EU – Russia dialogue, as well as on questions related to NATO – Russia co-operation and on prospects for the further expansion of the European Union. In discussing the Eastern Partnership initiative, the ministers were unanimous that this new EU policy is a clear signal to the six partner states (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine) about the EU desire for co-operation, but at the core of this achievement is the ability to apply the principle of differentiation – taking note of the differences between each individual state, not to mention the current level of political stability and status of reforms. The Baltic and Benelux state foreign ministers exchanged opinions on the actual situation in Moldova following the recent parliamentary elections and the visit to Chisinau on 24 April of the EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana, taking note also of the recent protest actions in Georgia and the political situation in Ukraine. Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins noted that following his visit to Azerbaijan on 16 – 17 April as well as his exchanges on 22 April with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Belarus, Sergey Martinov, the importance of an individual approach to each of these states is a necessity in addition to the need to define, together with the partnership states, the interests and possibilities for concrete co-operation projects within the framework of the Eastern Partnership. During the meeting of Baltic and Benelux state foreign ministers, discussions took place with regard to the question of EU negotiations with the Russian Federation on a new partnership and co-operation treaty, including on preparations for the EU – Russia summit on 21 May, on the NATO – Russia dialogue, and on the Russian initiative on a new European security architecture – on which broader discussion is planned for the end of June at the foreign ministers meeting to be hosted by the OSCE presiding state of Greece. The foreign ministers discussed the prospects for further EU expansion, including the question at today's GAERC meeting on the state of accession negotiations with Croatia. This meeting of foreign ministers from Belgium, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg and the Netherlands within the (3 + 3) format has now taken place for the third time, in continuation of a tradition commenced in Latvia in October 2007 on an exchange of opinions among the Baltic and Benelux states with regard to questions of multilateral co-operation in the context of international realities. Read | Other link | Other link MFA, 26 – 24 April 2009
Latvia plans to ratify the UN Protocol on Explosive Remnants of War On 28 April, the Government of Latvia ratified the draft law on the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons which may be Deemed to be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects, Protocol V. With the law coming into effect, Latvia will then be subject to the UN Convention additional protocol, which envisages national responsibility and practical implementation in the liquidation of the consequences of armed conflict. The protocol requires states that are involved in armed conflicts to accept responsibility for the territories under their control and to clear and neutralise Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) and to provide warnings to civilians of the dangers of these devices, including the identification, monitoring and isolation of such territories known to contain ERW. The Protocol envisages mutual co-operation and exchange of information among those member states so as to realise its stated aims. Latvia's joining this international instrument is to be regarded as another step towards the strengthening of the principle of international human rights. The primary goal of the Convention is the protection of civilians against the explosive remnants of war. MFA, 28 April 2009
http://www.president.lv 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 |
|
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
