Foreign Minister Riekstins farewells U.S. Ambassador

On 29 January, during the farewell visit of Catherine Todd Bailey, U.S. Ambassador to Latvia, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador for the promotion of Latvian-U.S. co-operation.

Minister Riekstins emphasised that co-operation with Catherine Todd Bailey has broadened bilateral relations, considerably activating economic contacts and interest about Latvia among U.S. entrepreneurs. During Ms Bailey's term of office, two exchanges of high level visits have taken place, and two times the U.S. President George Bush visited Latvia. The Foreign Minister expressed his appreciation of co-operation in the field of defence and military assistance, as well as in the furthering of democracy and freedom in the EU's neighbouring regions. Minister Riekstins highlighted also the Ambassador's contribution to social and charity projects in Latvia. At the same time the Minister underscored that both countries should continue to work together towards Latvia's participation in the Visa Waiver Programme.

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