Highlights Latvia's president commences working visit to the U.S. Swedish Prime Minister sees good opportunities to overcome the crisis and recover the Latvian economy Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins emphasises Council of Europe member state responsibility not to allow a repeat of events of last august in Georgia Maris Riekstins and NATO Military Committee Chairman agreed on the importance of the role of the alliance in the strengthening of security in the 21st Century Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins: The Baltic states and Germany are linked by active co-bilateral operation in a regional and international format Annual Political Consultations in Washington, D.C. between Foreign Ministry State Secretaries In brief Vaira Paegle addresses NATO Parliamentary Assembly Latvia deepens relations with Latin American states
Latvia's president commences working visit to U.S. On 14 May, in his meeting in Washington with Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States Congress, President Valdis Zatlers discussed Latvia-U.S. joint security challenges, and in particular, the NATO operation in Afghanistan. The President of Latvia emphasised that in addition to military involvement, it is necessary to become involved in development efforts and to share the experience of Latvia in this sphere. Similarly, President Zatlers emphasised that in improving the local situation it is important to engage and involve the neighbour countries of Afghanistan. Both senior officials evaluated issues with regard to the energy market, and also the overall world economic decline as well as further prospects for development. Before their official bilateral meeting, President Zatlers and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton met with media representatives, during which time, both officials emphasised that Latvia and the United States share an important strategic relationship. President Zatlers noted that Latvia highly regards the friendship of the U.S. and emphasised that Latvia will continue to be a faithful ally. President Zatlers expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet with the U.S. Secretary of State and with representatives of the new administration. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton noted that Americans admire our state and its striving for democracy, for freedom, and for a better future – all of this is very inspirational to the American people. During the bilateral discussions, topics discussed included the NATO operation in Afghanistan, in which both Latvian and U.S. soldiers are involved in the training of Afghanistan's army units. The Secretary of State confirmed the intention of the U.S. to continue to strengthen the security of Latvian troops within the collective security of the alliance. The President of Latvia and Secretary of State Clinton exchanged opinions on each of their own state envisionings on the efforts in Ukraine and Georgia on their way to EU and NATO membership. At the same time, discussion on the diversity of energy source and supply was an important issue. Valdis Zatlers and Hillary Clinton also exchanged views on the impact of the global economic crisis. President Zatlers informed his host about Latvia's work on structural reforms and on the budget cutting efforts in an attempt to overcome the crisis. While in Washington, President Zatlers met with President Obama's National Security Advisor, General Jim Jones. During this meeting the main discussion topic concerned the NATO operation in Afghanistan and Latvia's involvement, as well as on the transit of non-military supplies to Afghanistan by rail through Latvia. President Zatlers emphasised that Latvia strongly bases its defence security on the NATO system of collective security. For this reason, Article 5 of the NATO Washington Treaty is of especial significance to Latvia – and it is important to reflect this in future planning documents as well as in the explication of the new strategic alliance concept. President Valdis Zatlers also held meetings with U.S. Congressmen Robert Wexler and John Shimkus, as well as with Senator George Voinovich, who had previously been a recipient of the Order of the Three Stars, second class, for his services to Latvia's Foreign Policy in the realisation of the introduction of a Visa-free regime between Latvia and the United States. In the morning, President Zatlers opened the U.S. – Baltic Foundation Business Seminar which was attended by businessmen from the Baltic states. In his address, the president noted that for each state, to promote further development, it is important to ensure changes and opportunities. Latvia also takes heed of both opportunities and changes which occur as a result of the fall in economic developments, the reforms process and the organisation of other spheres of activity. President Zatlers updated his host on Latvia's achievements in its efforts to overcome the economic crisis and explained aspects of the economic and political changes in the state as well as the present status and role of structural reforms in education, health care, and governance. In the evening, at a formal ceremony held in the Latvian Embassy in Washington, President Zatlers presented state awards to several U.S. state officials, as well as to representatives of the American Latvian community. On 15 May, President Zatlers met in Washington with U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates. During their discussions the senior officials discussed questions with regard to the re-forming of NATO, with a focus on the drafting of a new strategic concept, and with an emphasis on Article 5 of the NATO Washington Treaty, which states that an armed attack against one or more member states in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all. In discussing Latvia's participation in the military operations of the alliance, the U.S. Secretary of Defence expressed his recognition of Latvia's achievements and contribution to the international guarantee of security. He also expressed his deepest condolences on the death of two Latvian soldiers in Afghanistan on 1 May. In focussing on the NATO operation in Afghanistan, both senior officials debated the possibilities for Latvia to become closely involved in the processing and transit of non-military cargo to Afghanistan through Latvian territory. During these discussions, the question of surveillance of Baltic air space was also discussed. The President of Latvia also met with Carlos Pascual, Vice-president and Director of Foreign Policy at the Brookings Institution and participated in a discussion organised by this most influential political institute in the United States. The Latvian state president also participated with an address at a reception and Gala event in honour of the U.S. – Baltic Foundation.
President's Chancery, 14 – 16 May 2009 Embassy of Latvia in Washington Swedish Prime Minister sees good opportunities to overcome the crisis and recover the Latvian economy On 11 May, during a working visit to Sweden, Valdis Dombrovskis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, met with Prime Minister Frederik Reinfeldt of Sweden. Commenting after their meeting the Swedish Prime Minister emphasised that in the long term Latvia has very good prospects for recovery of its economy and for overcoming the crisis. Prime Minister Reinfeldt noted that Sweden is following developments in Latvia with great interest and understands the complicated situation, as well as supports the measures being undertaken by the Latvian Government in order to stabilise the economic situation. The Swedish side expressed its commitment, in view of the current situation in Latvia, to become more engaged in the internal discussion in the EU in order to protect Latvia's position. The Prime Minister of Sweden also offered bilateral technical assistance in relation to the international loans. In addressing the issue of the operation of Swedish banks in Latvia and further policy with regard to these financial institutions, Prime Minister Reinfeldt stressed that it is important to promote actual bilateral co-operation by supporting projects developed at new level of quality. "It is important to fund business activities aimed at providing value-added products rather than to further finance consumption and foster the real estate bubble", the Swedish Prime Minister said. In order to discuss such projects, Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis is accompanied by a working group from the Latvian Employers' Confederation. The sides also addressed a number of issues related to the forthcoming Swedish Presidency of the European Union, the EU strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, the interconnection of the Baltic energy market, the Treaty on the Eastern Partnership, the Treaty of Lisbon, continued enlargement of the EU and the further strengthening of ties between the EU and the United States of America. Prime Minister Dombrovskis noted that with regard to the Baltic Sea Region strategy, Latvia is particularly interested in increasing the competitiveness of the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea by ensuring a balanced development and in establishing a single operator of the Baltic electricity transmission network. The Prime Minister remarked that funding sources of each project should be considered separately. Prime Minister Dombrovskis emphasised that a harmonisation of the electricity market is one of Latvia's priorities in forming a common system of the Baltic electricity operators. It is also important to further develop the inter-connection between the Baltic electricity market and the existing EU electricity market. Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis noted that Latvia could offer its expertise and reform experience to the countries of the Eastern Partnership. Latvia could also share its experience with regard to environmental policy and environmental and energy reforms. Both sides also emphasised the importance of mobility and secure border control within the framework of the Eastern Partnership. The Swedish Prime Minister mentioned the further progress of the Treaty of Lisbon as one of the main challenges for Sweden's Presidency of the European Union. In order to facilitate this process, Sweden will strictly observe the effective EU procedures. Both sides also addressed the issue of climate change and the respective plans of the Swedish EU Presidency. With regard to discussion on this issue, the Latvian Prime Minister urged the consideration of an option for voluntary participation by the developing countries in view of their difficulties to undertake new financial obligations. After the meeting Valdis Dombrovskis expressed his gratitude for the intense bilateral co-operation and dialogue within the frameworks of Baltic, EU and other organisations. The Latvian Prime Minister stressed that Latvia is interested in strengthening financial and economic co-operation by raising it to a new level and by encouraging Swedish financial institutions to develop their activities in Latvia and to fund business activities that are producing value-added products. The states have already signed a joint declaration on the formation of the common Baltic energy market In June the European Council could be in a position to adopt the conclusions on the implementation of the plan for the Baltic energy market interconnection on the advice of the High Level Working Group involved in the development of the plan; further development of the plan will be a responsibility of the operators. The Swedish side noted that after approval of the plan the High Level Working Group would then participate in the development of the action plan of the EU strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. With regard to the implementation of the Eastern Partnership, the Swedish side encouraged the planning of practical steps aimed at ensuring actual co-operation among the Partnership's countries. The priority areas are harmonisation of matters related to market regulation between the countries of the Eastern Partnership. During the press conference, the Swedish media indicated an interest in the activities of Swedish banks in Latvia. Prime Minister Dombrovskis emphasised that Latvia closely supervises the methods and approaches employed by Swedish banks in order to recover their credits. At the same time Mr Dombrovskis stressed, once again, that information concerning involvement of police in investigating bank operations is false. The media also asked about the stability of the Latvian national currency. Mr Dombrovskis emphasised that the recovery process of the Latvian economy is based on the stability of the Latvian lat and any discussion on devaluation would be unreasonable. Prime Minister Dombrovskis advised that he has initiated a High Level Working Group which will discuss the short-term, medium-term and long-term development objectives of Latvia in order to successfully overcome the current economic situation, and to fundamentally revise the structure and competitiveness of the national economy. Participants of this working group will include representatives from Sweden – the former head of Riksbank and current Advisor to the East Capital investment group Bengt Dennis, the Governor of Stockholm County - Per Unckel, and Christian H.M. Ketels, Researcher of the Stockholm School of Economics and of the Strategy and Competitiveness Institute at Harvard University. Within the framework of the visit Prime Minister Dombrovskis took part in a round-table discussion together with representatives of the Latvian Employers Confederation and the Swedish Business Federation "Svenskt Näringsliv". During this discussion, participants agreed that it is most important to realise that both Sweden and Latvia are in a similar situation, as is the common region and the common market which allows for businesses to operate from both states. At this moment there is no discussion about individual or separate markets, but only of a common region around the Baltic Sea. In the same way, representatives of both states emphasised that, regardless of the economic downturn, the idea of protectionism must be resisted and the market must be allowed to operate on the principles of a free and open market. In addressing the meeting participants Prime Minister Dombrovskis emphasised that during these very complicated times, it is most important to meet face to face with those businessmen, politicians, and banking sector representatives who are directly involved and share an interface with the economic situation in Latvia. Mr Dombrovskis agreed that social and community partnerships are very important also in Latvia, so as to realise the complicated tasks that the government must undertake to ride out the crisis. The Prime Minister then turned to the Swedish banking sector representatives with questions regarding their present banking strategy and lending policy for Latvia. The Swedish banking sector representatives indicated that the present economic crisis has also affected their operations and that the banks must accept a partial responsibility for individual errors in their lending policy. At the same time, the Swedish banking representatives put forward the position that they support their clients and are searching for solutions that are acceptable also to their credit clients. During this discussion, Latvia's businessmen emphasised that a much more intensive co-operation must take place between businesses in both Latvia and Sweden to renew loan opportunities and the flow of cash in the economy. Also of importance are export credit guarantees. During the meeting, issues regarding markets and investments were reviewed as was the financial and economic situation in Latvia – analysed in a broader political context and also in consideration of the Baltic Sea Region strategy. The round-table discussion was attended by representatives of Sweden's largest enterprises: TeliaSonera, ICA AB/Rimi AB, Handelsbanken, Swedbank, SEB, Nordea Bank, and others and Latvian business enterprise was represented by Primkess, Latvijas Finieris, UPB, Mukusalas poligrafijas grupa, Nexum Insurance Technologies and others. Video from Press conference | Read | Other link | Other link The Cabinet of Ministers, 11 May 2009
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins emphasises Council of Europe member state responsibility not to allow a repeat of events of last august in Georgia On 12 May, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins participated in the 119th session of the Council of Europe Ministers Committee, in Madrid, Spain. The Committee of Ministers meeting took place on the 60th anniversary of the Council of Europe and on the 50th anniversary of the founding of the European Court of Human Rights. Within the framework of this meeting, member states were agreed on the planned interim reforms to the European Court of Human Rights on the protection of basic human rights under Protocol 14.bis of the Convention. The interim reforms included articles from the 14th protocol so as to ease the work of the court until the 14th protocol comes into force officially. In his address, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins noted the significant role of the European Court of Human Rights in the protection of human rights and he also positively evaluated the across-the-board agreement on the temporary solution for easing the work of the court. The Minister noted that one of the present moment challenges is to overcome the consequences of the recent military conflict between two member states – that took place last year. Maris Riekstins emphasised that the Council of Europe must support the core values of the organisation and guarantee that member states respect and fulfil their obligations so that such dramatic events are not repeated in future. The minister accentuated the fact that, as yet, Belarus is not a member state. "Latvia sees a positive dynamic in the processes taking place in Belarus and considers that the Council of Europe must support the efforts by Belarus in further changes", emphasised Minister Riekstins. The Minister expressed his thanks to the contribution by outgoing Secretary-General, Terry Davis, in leading the organisation for the past five years and wished positive achievements to the incoming Secretary-General who will be voted in by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Within the framework of this session, the responsibilities of the presiding state have been overtaken from Spain by Slovenia. Spain was presiding state from November 2008 through May 2009. Parallel to all of this, the city of Madrid was also host to the European Convention on Human Rights member state conference at which the interim changes were accepted to the reforms in the European Court of Human Rights in support of Protocol 14. MFA, 12 May 2009
Maris Riekstins and NATO Military Committee Chairman agreed on the importance of the role of the alliance in the strengthening of security in the 21st Century On 14 May, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giampaolo di Paola, who was on a visit to Latvia. During their meeting, the NATO led international operation in Afghanistan, the NATO Heads of Government and Heads of State Summit in Strasbourg/Kehl in April of this year, and NATO—Russia relations were the major topics for discussion. Within the framework of this meeting, Foreign Minister Riekstins noted, with satisfaction, that the overall Latvian community's support for NATO this past year has been stable, and that the patrolling of Baltic air space has been a most visible indicator of NATO presence and of the indivisibility of the alliance. During the discussion, both parties reviewed the outcomes of the recent NATO Heads of Government and Heads of State Summit which took place from 3 – 4 April in Strasbourg / Kehl. These include the decision on the drafting of a new NATO strategic concept, the accession to the Alliance by both Albania and Croatia and the decision on the appointment of the new Secretary-General of NATO. At the same time, issues concerning NATO—Russia relations, the question of military co-operation with Russia in areas of common interest, for example, in Afghanistan and in the combating of international terrorism were also discussed. The Chairman of the NATO Military Committee pointed out that the international operation in Afghanistan is the most important NATO operation and that Latvia's contribution is most highly regarded. He also expressed his deepest condolences with regard to the recent tragic loss of two Latvian soldiers. Minister Riekstins emphasised that Latvia will maintain its participation in NATO led forces in Afghanistan and added that the long-term solution to the problem in Afghanistan requires a balance between a civilian and a military commitment. The Chairman of the Military Committee will also be meeting with Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis, with Juris Dalbins - Chairman of the Saeima Defence and Internal Affairs Committee, with the Commander of the National Armed Forces (NAF) Major General Juris Maklakovs, with Ministry of Defence State Secretary Janis Sarts, with Latvia's Military Representative to NATO, Brigadier General Raimonds Graube, and with other senior NAF officials. MFA, 14 May 2009
Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins: The Baltic states and Germany are linked by active bilateral co-operation in a regional and international format On 15 May, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins participated in the 11th Political Consultations between the Foreign Ministers of the Baltic states and from Germany. The consultations took place in Palanga, Lithuania. During the meeting, the ministers debated actualities and issues of the European Union and the present international agenda, including the progress on ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon, energy security and issues concerning European Neighbourhood policy. Within the framework of the consultations there was an exchange of views with regard to the world economic and financial markets. The Ministers were of one mind that the Baltic states have an active co-operative relationship with Germany not only at the bilateral level but also in various regional and international formats. Particular attention was focussed on the 7 May Eastern Partnership Summit in Prague. The Ministers expressed the mutual opinion that this Summit had brought in a new era in the relations between the EU and its neighbour states to the east of the EU. "During the forthcoming Swedish presidency of the EU it will be timely to confirm as many as possible joint projects in such priority areas as the move to a free trade zone and economic integration, especially in the expansion of energy effectiveness, as well as in Education and mobility", indicated Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins. In debating issues with regard to the Treaty of Lisbon, Minister Riekstins applauded the recent support by the Czech Senate towards ratification of the treaty and expressed the hope that the process of ratification in the Czech Republic will soon be concluded in full. Maris Riekstins noted that 2009 is the year of decision in the European Union and emphasised that the coming year should commence in the EU with a clear juridical framework. Political Consultations between the Baltic states and Germany were first conducted in Leipzig on 28 August 1996 at the initiative of the then German Minister for Foreign Affairs, Klaus Kinkel. On 20 May 2008, Riga was the venue for the 10th meeting of Foreign Ministers from the Baltic states and from Germany which was hosted by Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins. MFA, 14 May 2009 Annual Political Consultations in Washington, D.C. between Foreign Ministry State Secretaries From 12 – 13 May, Foreign Ministry State Secretary Andris Teikmanis was in Washington, D.C., to participate in political consultations as a framework for meetings with U.S. administration, NGOs, and research institute representatives. During the meeting, State Secretary Teikmanis discussed EU Eastern Partnership issues and opportunities for closer co-operation in this region with the U.S. as well as to engage in an exchange of views on aspects of EU and U.S. co-operation. At the conclusion of the Political Consultations, State Secretary Teikmanis made a presentation at the Joint Baltic-American Committee Conference on Baltic Regional Security: "Old Threats and New Challenges" panel discussion on "Ensuring Stability: Strategic Solutions and Regional Partnerships". The U.S. is Latvia's strategic and allied partner, thus the exchange of opinions on bilateral and important international issues at the level of Foreign Ministry State Secretary has become an annual tradition. MFA, 12 May 2009
Vaira Paegle addresses NATO Parliamentary Assembly To this day, NATO maintains its importance for the guarantee of a collective security, although it must acknowledge its internal and external problems as the future and long-term effectiveness of the North Atlantic alliance will be dependent on all of its member states. This is the message that the leader of the Latvian delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Vaira Paegle (People's Party), had to offer in Rome on 11 May 2009. In her address Vaira Paegle focussed attention on the many new threats to security which NATO must now face in its 60th anniversary year. "Terrorism, Cyber wars, The Russia-Georgia conflict and the most recent global economic crisis are just some of the complicated problems that threaten the strategic common ground for NATO members, which until now had been unshakable", said the leader of the Latvian delegation. Vaira Paegle pointed to a host of possible problems that could impact on the North Atlantic Alliance as a result of the worldwide economic crisis. "As a result of the crisis, member states start to concern themselves only with their own narrow national interests, and not in consideration of the broader common security interests. This tendency can impact on the NATO defence capability because any single member state may become a weak link in the collective shield of the organisation". The leader of the Latvian delegation expressed support for the NATO expansion process. "I am firmly convinced, that we must safeguard the freedoms of the old borders of continental Europe by offering the opportunity to join NATO to all states that wish to do so, and that are in accord with all membership criteria". Vaira Paegle also expressed support for the intensification of co-operation between NATO and the European Union, because "such a transatlantic relationship reinforcement can only raise the NATO capability to guarantee security". The meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly in the 60th anniversary year of the founding of NATO took place in Rome, Italy on 11 may 2009. The Parliamentary Assembly of the NATO member states and invited guests reviewed that status of NATO military operations, the expansion of the alliance and future challenges. The Saeima, 11 May 2009
Latvia deepens relations with Latin American states From 12 – 13 May, Foreign Ministry Parliamentary Secretary Eriks Zunda will participate in the 14th EU-Rio Group Ministerial Meeting in Prague, the Czech Republic. The agenda for this year's meeting will focus on two themes "The Search for Renewable Energy Sources to Enhance Global Energy Security and Impacts of Climate Change" and "Financial Stability and Economic Growth Worldwide". The meeting of the EU-Rio Group is in Latvia's interests so as to promote the recognition of Latvia in the region and to strengthen political dialogue and economic co-operation. The EU-Rio Group dialogue is important to Latvia also with regard to issues of energy effectiveness and on the lessening of the effects of climate change. Within the framework of the meeting, Parliamentary Secretary Eriks Zunda and the Assistant State Secretary of the Foreign Ministry of Peru, Antonio Garcia Revilla, will sign a joint memorandum on Political Consultations between both Foreign Ministries. Latin America is a significant partner of the EU. Both regions are united by deep historical ties and common values as well as by multilateral commonalities. The EU continues to be a significant international donor to Latin America and is an important trading partner to several Latin American states. The EU-Rio Group Ministerial Meeting is the second most important EU co-operation format with the Latin American states. The meeting will also be attended by Cuba, which joined the EU-Rio Group this past November. The EU-Rio Group Ministerial Meeting format was created in 1991 so as to promote the exchange of views on topics of importance to both the EU and to the Rio Group states. Latvia has participated in the previous two EU-Rio Group meetings, in 2005 and in 2007. MFA, 12 May 2009
LINKS: 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 |
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