Referendum on Draft Law "Amendments to the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia"

On 2 August, a referendum will take place regarding the Draft Law "Amendments to the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia". The Foreign Ministry informs that voters who are abroad at the time of the referendum will be able to vote at diplomatic missions, Consulates-General and Consulates of the Republic of Latvia, and also at the Honorary Consulates of Latvia in Australia (in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney) and in Brazil.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins encourages participation in Film Latvia in the World video competition

On the initiative of Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins, a video competition entitled Film Latvia in the World was created jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the State Agency "The Latvian Institute" (Latvijas Institūts) and an Internet portal www.draugiem.lv. Within the framework of the competition, participants are invited to capture on video the moments when Latvia comes to prominence in the wider world, and to upload their video material onto the www.draugiem.lv portal from 11 August to 1 October.

Canadian Ambassador meets Foreign Ministry Secretary of State on farewell visit

On 1 August, Normans Penke, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs met with Claire Poulin, Ambassador of Canada to the Baltic states, who was on her farewell visit.

Cabinet of Ministers approves draft order On appointment of representatives to joint Latvia-Russia Demarcation Commission

On 4 August, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a draft order On the appointment of representatives to the joint Latvia-Russia Demarcation Commission. The order provides that the commission will consist of a commission Chairperson and of six members representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Geospatial Information Agency, the State Property Agency of the Interior, the State Border Guard, and the State Land Service. Ambassador Janis Lovniks has been appointed as commission Co-Chairman for the Latvian side.

Ambassador of India meets Foreign Ministry Secretary of State

On 4 August, Normans Penke, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed his gratitude to Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India, for her contribution to Latvia-India relations. The Ambassador had called on the Secretary of State as part of a farewell visit to Latvia.

Foreign Minister and Afghan Women's Business Federation to discuss Latvia's support for exchange projects between both countries

On 6 August, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will meet with representatives from the Afghan Women's Business Federation who are staying in Latvia from 1 August to 6 August to participate in the Mentoring Master Workshop. West-East organized by the Latvian professional women's association Lidere.

Latvia renders assistance to Ukraine and Moldova to overcome consequences of flooding

On the initiative of the Foreign Ministry, the Cabinet of Ministers today adopted a decision with regard to the rendering of assistance to Ukraine and Moldova to overcome the consequences of flooding. Latvia will provide financial aid of 50,000 euro each. to the governments of Ukraine and Moldova.

Statement by Foreign Ministry in relation to situation in South Ossetia

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs voices its concern in relation to the situation in the region of Georgia, South Ossetia, and particularly about the recent incidents which have resulted in civilian casualties.

Minister of Foreign Affairs assures representatives of Afghanistan Women's Business Federation of Latvia's readiness to support women's business experience exchange projects

On 6 August, Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins met with representatives of the Afghanistan Women's Business Federation to discuss Latvia's contribution to the process of promoting democracy in Afghanistan and the continuation of women's business experience exchange projects.

Foreign Ministers of Latvia and Georgia discuss current situation in South Ossetia

This morning, at the initiative of Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins, there was a telephone conversation between the Minister and the Georgian Foreign Minister Ekaterine Tkeshelashvilli in order to review the recent military clashes and the current situation in the region of Georgia, South Ossetia.

Ambassador of Ukraine to Latvia expresses gratitude for Latvia's contribution to flood relief

On 8 August, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with the Ambassador of Ukraine to Latvia, Raul Chilachava.

Latvia condemns military offensive by Russian Federation against sites of strategic significance in Georgian territory

Following the escalation of a military conflict in the region of Georgia, South Ossetia, an increasing intensity of clashes and the number of civilian casualties, and also the attacks of Russia's armed forces within the last 12 hours on the Georgian territory which lies outside the conflict zone, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins, on behalf of the Republic of Latvia has expressed the condemnation of these acts by the Russian Federation.

Joint Declaration on the situation in Georgia by the Presidents of the Baltic States and the Republic of Poland

We, the leaders of the former captive nations from Eastern Europe and current members of the European Union and NATO– Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland – are extremely concerned about the actions of the Russian Federation against Georgia.

We strongly condemn the actions by the Russian military forces against the sovereign and independent country of Georgia.

In telephone conversation between Foreign Ministers of Latvia and Georgia, Georgian Foreign Minister commends support by Latvia and other Baltic states

Today, during a current telephone conversation, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and the Georgian Foreign Minister Ekaterine Tkeshelashvili discussed the current situation in Georgia and the involvement by the international community.

Declaration of Presidents of Parliaments of the Baltic States

With deep concern and anxiety, we are observing the events in Georgia which at this moment is under intensive attacks by the army of the Russian Federation.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins expresses condolences to family of soldier fallen in Afghanistan

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins has expressed his deepest sympathy to the family and friends of a Latvian soldier who has died in Afghanistan: "In our thoughts we are together with the family members of Private First Class Edgars Ozolins.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins invites Russian Ambassador to the Foreign Ministry in connection with situation in Georgia

On 11 August, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins invited the Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Alexander Veshnyakov, to the Foreign Ministry in order to express Latvia's condemnation of the Russian military attacks in South Ossetia as well as outside the conflict zone.

Foreign Minister to encourage discussion on future EU-Russia relations at GAERC meeting

On 13 August Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will take part at an extraordinary GAERC meeting in Brussels, where discussions will take place about the current situation in Georgia and a co-ordinated EU response to the Russian military offensive in Georgia, which has been already drawn condemnation from Latvia, as well as from other states.

Government reviews the report on activities of the Cabinet of Ministers Representative in International Human Rights Institutions in 2007

Today the Latvian government reviewed the report on the activities of the Representative of the Cabinet of Ministers in International Human Rights Institutions for 2007.

Foreign Minister will urge discussion about the further relations between EU and Russia at extraordinary meeting of the General Affairs and External Relation Council

On 13 August in Brussels, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will participate in an extraordinary meeting of the General Affairs and External Relation Council, where the current situation in Georgia will be discussed and the point of view of the EU will be co-ordinated in relation to Russia's military offensive in Georgia, which has already drawn the condemnation of Latvia and other countries.

Statement by the Presidents of Estonia, Lithuania, Poland and the Prime Minister of Latvia on the further conflict resolution in Georgia (Warsaw, 2008 08 13)

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins: securing ceasefire in Georgia is a priority

On 13 August, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins took part at an extraordinary meeting of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) in Brussels. On the agenda were the current events in Georgia, and EU involvement in the resolution of the military conflict in Georgia.

Latvia provides humanitarian aid to Georgia

On 12 August the Government of Latvia determined to provide humanitarian aid to Georgia to deal with the aftermath of the war.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to meet with new Ambassador of the Netherlands, Jurriaan Kraak

On 14 August, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will meet with Jurriaan Kraak, the new Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Latvia. The Ambassador and the Foreign Minister are to review bilateral relations between Latvia and the Netherlands in the future perspective, the priorities of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and also topical issues of international policy.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Ambassador of the Netherlands discuss possibilities for expanding bilateral co-operation

On 15 August, Jurriaan Kraak, the new Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Latvia called on Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to meet Ambassadors of Germany, China and Sweden to Latvia

On 18 August, the Ambassadors of Germany, China and Sweden will call on the Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins.

Foreign Minister of Afghanistan expresses appreciation for Latvia's contribution to the reconstruction of the country

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins has received a letter from the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Rangeen Dadfar Spanta, in which he expresses appreciation for Latvia`s political and moral support to Afghanistan, as well as Latvia`s financial support for the reconstruction of the country which was announced at the International Conference in Support of Afghanistan on 12 June in Paris, France.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and new Ambassador of Sweden to Latvia acknowledge close relations between Latvia and Sweden

On 18 August, as one of his accreditation visits, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Sweden to Latvia, Mats Arne Staffansson, called on Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to participate in the informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers

On 19 August Foreign Minister of the Republic of Latvia, Maris Riekstins, will leave for Brussels to take part in the informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and new Chinese Ambassador agree on promotion of economic co-operation

On 18 August, Cheng Wenju, the new Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Latvia called on Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins.

Foreign Ministry welcomes release of political prisoner Aleksandr Kozulin

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia welcomes the release from jail by Belarus authorities, on 16 August, of a political prisoner, Alaksandr Kazulin (Аляксандр Казулин), who was sentenced to five and a half years in prison for protest actions during the presidential elections in Belarus in 2006.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and German Ambassador review current events in bilateral relations

On 18 August the German Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Latvia, Detlef Weigel, made an accreditation visit to Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins expresses condolences to the French people regarding the loss of soldiers

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins has expressed his sincerest condolences to the French people regarding the loss of lives of the ten French soldiers on 19 August in Afghanistan. The Minister expressed his condolences to the Foreign Minister of France, Bernard Kouchner, during the today`s meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers.

Foreign Minister: Statement by NATO ministerial meeting sends strong signal to Russia

On 19 August, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins took part in a special session of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels. On the agenda of the meeting was the current situation in Georgia, an exchange of opinions regarding the assessment of further relations between NATO and Russia, and also on future co-operation between NATO and Georgia.

Latvia continues sending humanitarian aid to Georgia; Ministry of the Interior official travels to Georgia

On 19 August, the Secretary of State of the Ministry of the Interior, Aivars Starume, is travelling to war-torn Georgia in order to assess the security and humanitarian situation so as to co-ordinate more effectively the humanitarian aid provided by Latvia. On the same airBaltic flight, a fourth consignment of humanitarian aid is to be delivered to Georgia today, consisting of tents and other essential supplies to provide shelter to civilians left homeless as a result of the armed conflict.

Statement. Meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Foreign Ministers held at NATO Headquarters, Brussels, on 19 August 2008 (NATO)

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to meet President of the European Parliament Hans-Gert Pöttering

On 21 August, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will meet with the President of the European Parliament (EP), Hans-Gert Pöttering. The Foreign Minister and the President of the EP will review the situation in Georgia, priorities of the French Presidency of the European Union, the future of the EU, the Lisbon Treaty, energy security, as well as topical issues of international policy.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins expresses condolences to the Spanish people with regard to the tragic plane crash

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins has expressed his deepest sympathy to the Spanish people, sending a letter of condolence to the Foreign Minister of Spain, Miguel Ángel Moratinos, with regard to the tragic plane crash at Madrid airport on 20 August.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and President of the European Parliament underline EU's role with regard to situation in Georgia

On 21 August, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with the President of the European Parliament (EP), Hans-Gert Pottering, who is on an official visit to Latvia.

Foreign Ministry informs about opportunity to take part in referendum at Latvian missions abroad

On 23 August, a referendum on the draft law "Amendments to the Law On State Pensions" will be held.

Comment by Latvian Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins on the situation in Georgia

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, evaluating recent developments in Georgia and guided by the information at the disposal of Latvia, considers that the Russian side has not completed the withdrawal of its troops from Georgia as provided in the peace plan.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins expresses condolences to the Kyrgyz people with regard to the tragic plane crash

On 25 August the Foreign Minister of Latvia, Maris Riekstins, sent a letter to the Foreign Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, Ednan Karabajev, expressing condolences to the Kyrgyz people with regard to the tragic plane crash near the airport of the capital Bishkek on 24 August.

Foreign Minister Riekstins to meet with new Ambassador of Canada to Latvia

On 26 August, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins is to meet with the Canadian Ambassador to Latvia, Scott Heatherington, as part of a series of accreditation visits.

The Presidency on behalf of the European Union issues the declaration concerning the release of political prisoners in Belarus

The Presidency in its declaration issued on August 25 on behalf of the European Union welcomes the release of the two remaining political prisoners on the EU's list, Mr Sergei Parsiukevich and Mr Andrei Kim, by the Belarusian authorities on 20 August.

Foreign Minister meets with Latvian American Association project Sveika, Latvija! participants

As part of American Latvian Association project Sveika, Latvija! (Hello, Latvia!), a group of young American and Canadian Latvians together with friendship classes from Sabile and Lizums secondary schools visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 26 August.

Foreign Minister Riekstins condemns Russia's decision to recognise independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins condemns the decision by the President of the Russian Federation, Dmitrij Medvedev, to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Foreign Minister Riekstins discusses current situation in Georgia with new Ambassador of Canada

On 26 August, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with the Canadian Ambassador to Latvia, Scott Heatherington, as part of a series of the Ambassador's accreditation visits.

Foreign Minister Riekstins to go on working visit to Sweden

On 27 August, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will go on a working visit to Sweden, where he will meet with Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt and Goran Lennmarker, the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Swedish Parliament. 

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins receives Russian Ambassador to Latvia and reiterates Latvia's position on situation in Georgia

On 28 August, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins received Ambassador of Russia to Latvia, Alexander Veshniakov, at his request of the latter. In the course of the meeting, Ambassador Veshniakov presented the official position regarding the recognition of independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins to take part in extraordinary European Council meeting on situation in Georgia

On 1 September Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins will take part in an extraordinary meeting of the European Council, convened by President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, the presiding EU Member State. The aim of this session is to debate the situation in Georgia, as well as future relations between the EU and Russia.

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins congratulates members of Skrunda Joint Commission on 10th anniversary of Skrunda radar shutdown

31 August 2008 marks ten years since the Skrunda Radio Location Station terminated its operations. On this occasion, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins has sent a letter of congratulations to members of the Skrunda Joint Commission expressing his gratitude to everybody who was involved in the implementation of the Skrunda agreement.