Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Slovenian Foreign minister share opinion on strengthening "business diplomacy" to address economic challenges [11 Feb 2010]

On 10 February, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, Samuel Zbogar who was on a visit in Riga. During the meeting, the ministers discussed current bilateral topics, the European Union agenda and latest developments in international policy.

Whilst discussing dynamics of Latvia-Slovenia bilateral relations, the ministers noted the active political dialogue which resulted in an exchange of high level visits. Earlier in February, the Speaker of the Saeima Gundars Daudze made a visit to Slovenia. "Latvia and Slovenia have significant experience and expertise in relations with their neighbouring regions, therefore an exchange of opinions on these topics has a value for both sides," Foreign Minister Riekstins indicated. The parties also discussed the expanding of the Latvian-Slovenian legal framework and reciprocal support within international organisations.

During the meeting, a particular focus was made on the economic dimension: the parties looked at the possibilities to broaden the Latvian-Slovenian co-operation and exchanged opinions on economic challenges on the European Union scale. Minister Riekstins emphasised that Slovenia has a high potentiality as a partner country and acknowledged the investment project deals made on the Slovenian part.

With regard to the global economic crisis and the situation of Latvia, Mr Riekstins informed his Slovenian colleague about measures adopted by Latvia for the revitalisation of economies with the aim of fulfilling the Maastricht criteria and joining the euro-zone, both in 2014. Minister Riekstins noted that several indicators are sending the first positive signals about stabilizing in Latvia's economies. Minister Zbogar for his part briefed about the economic situation in Slovenia, also facing challenges. Both ministers exchanged opinions about the possibilities for foreign services to support entrepreneurs and shared the view on the need to strengthen the "business diplomacy" under the current economic conditions.

The ministers reviewed the European Union's institutional issues, including the European External Action Service, and Mr Riekstins indicated that it would be important for the EU citizens that the competence of the External Action Service includes their diplomatic and consular protection. The Latvian Foreign Minister also emphasised that an adequate representation of member States diplomats should be ensured in the External Action Service, including the EU delegations.

Foreign Ministers Riekstins and Zbogar signed the Agreement between the Governments of Latvia and Slovenia on the exchange and mutual protection of classified information. The Agreement will lay down the measures for protecting classified information shared by the two countries, as well as specify competent security institutions in charge of security and protection of classified information.

During his visit in Riga, the Slovenian Foreign Minister met with Deputy Speaker of the Saeima, Solvita Aboltina, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Commission, Andris Berzins, as well as former President of Latvia and Vice President of the Reflection Group on the future of the European Union (2020-2030), Vaira Vike-Freiberga.

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