On June 16 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Mr. Valdis Birkavs met with US Assistant Secretary of State on Europe Affairs Mr. Marc Grossman.

Mr. Grossman expressed his pleasure to visit Riga right after the session of the CBSS Council of Ministers in Palanga where US side participated in the status of an official observer. Mr. Grossman highly regarded the CBSS abilities in promotion of democracy and welfare in the region. Mr. Birkavs appreciated the US participation in the work of the CBSS.

Both diplomats highly regarded successful co-operation within the framework of the US-Baltic Charter, as well as the results of the Washington Summit. The Membership Action Plan adopted during the NATO Summit will become the main instrument which will help Latvia and other candidates to prepare for membership in the Alliance. Mr. Birkavs confirmed resolution of Latvia to concentrate efforts and human resources in order to prepare for a possible invitation in 2002.

Mr.Grossman and Mr.Birkavs were unanimous that co-operation between the Baltic states' and US Parliament must be further promoted through exchange visits of the members of parliaments.

Mr. Grossman highly regarded achievements of Latvia in the field of the society integration, particularly stressing positive results of referendum held in 1998 and the process of naturalisation.

Speaking about the US and Latvian economic co-operation, Mr. Birkavs expressed intention to continue attraction of US investments to Latvian economy. Both diplomats were unanimous that economic relations between both states must be further developed.

Mr. Grossman and Mr. Birkavs also discussed regional co-operation issues, as well as relations between Latvia and Russia.

On June 16 Mr. Grossman also met with Prime Minister of Latvia Mr. Vilis Kristopans and participated in the session of the NATO Integration Council of Latvia.

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