Minister of Foreign Affairs meets Deputy Commander in Chief of United States European Command [16 Oct 2001]

On 16 October 2001 the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Mr Indulis Berzins met Deputy Commander in Chief, United States European Command, General Carlton Fulford, who has arrived in Latvia in order to get acquainted with development of Latvia's defence system as well as to get overall impression about the country's progress towards NATO.

During the meeting the parties talked over implementation of the foreign policy priorities of Latvia âÀ“ integration into the EU and NATO, and regional co-operation. Mr Berzins informed General Fulford on the work performed by Latvia in preparation for NATO membership. Mr Berzins highly appreciated the support that the USA had rendered to Latvia on the way to NATO and said that Latvia is interested in further intensification of the U.S. support. The Minister confirmed Latvia's readiness to receive invitation to the Alliance at the Prague Summit. Speaking on foreign policy priorities, the Minister also noted the active co-operation of Latvia in the regional framework âÀ“ co-operation of the three Baltic States, co-operation with the Scandinavian countries, as well as with the countries of the Baltic Sea region, including Russia. Mr Berzins underscored that development of good neighbourly relations with Russia is Latvia's objective and that Latvia supports co-operation development between NATO and Russia.

General Fulford, in his turn, commended the military co-operation of the Baltic States and their contribution to strengthening of the European security by participation in NATO missions in the Balkans. The U.S. General noted Latvia's success in defence force reforms and the clearly defined goals of the Armed Forces' development. General Fulford gave a positive assessment of Latvia's accomplishments in the field of Euro-Atlantic integration and economic growth in general and stressed that one of the objectives of his visit was to examine what kind of additional assistance the USA could provide to Latvia in order to promote preparation of the country for the membership in NATO.

During the conversation the fight of the international coalition against terrorism was also touched upon. In this regard the Minister once more expressed Latvia's readiness to participate in the joint fight against international terrorism and informed on the programme for combating terrorism elaborated by the government.

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