Ministers agree on the organisation of a joint foreign and security policy conference

On 31 January, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Defence Minister Vinets Veldre agreed on co-operation in the organizing of an international conference devoted to foreign policy and security policy issues end October. The event is to take forward and strengthen the conference tradition initiated during the Riga NATO Summit.

During the meeting, the parties also talked over topics related to the agenda of the NATO summit in Bucharest, due to take place on 3-4 April, as well the enhancement of the defence capacity of Latvia. The ministers also discussed Latvia's support for reforms in Georgia and Ukraine, and for their aspirations for Euro-Atlantic integration; continued participation by Latvia in operations of a Provincial Reconstruction Team (ISAF/PRT) in Afghanistan, and expected participation in the EU civilian mission in Kosovo.

(end of text)