During the meeting, Minister Riekstins spoke highly of bilateral relations between Latvia and Germany, including political contacts and economic co-operation, the sector where Germany is a major foreign trade partner to Latvia and the fourth largest foreign investor. The Ministers also expressed appreciation of the regular political consultations between the Baltic foreign ministers and the Foreign Minister of Germany, this year to be held in Tallinn, Estonia.

In relation to the possibilities for expanding Latvian-German co-operation, the parties focused on culture and education. The Ministers exchanged opinions on the enhancement of cultural contacts between the countries.

In preparation for the International Conference on Afghanistan in London later in January, attention was devoted to the involvement of Latvia and Germany in the operation of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Minister Riekstins informed about an agenda point in the Government session today, i.e. the allocation of funding for Latvia's civil engagement and development co-operation measures in Afghanistan.

During the conversation, Minister Riekstins extended an invitation for Foreign Minister of Germany, Guido Westerwelle, to arrive on a visit to Latvia.