State Secretary of the Foreign Ministry and State Secretary of the Transport Ministry of Latvia Visit Hong Kong (The Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in the People's Republic of China)

From 12 to 14 January, 2003 an official delegation from Latvia, led by the State Secretary of Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins, has been on a working visit to Hong Kong. Given the potential for future cooperation in the field of transportation, State Secretary of Latvia's Ministry of Transport Vigo Legzdins is also a member of the delegation.

Reception organised by the Honorary Consul of Latvia in honour of the opening of Latvia's Honorary Consulate in Hong Kong

On 13 January, 2003 a special reception was organized by Latvia's Honorary Consul in Hong Kong, Mr Roger King to mark the opening of Latvia's Honorary Consulate in Hong Kong. The new Honorary Consul was congratulated on behalf of the Latvian government by Mr Riekstins. Mr King is a prominent member of Hong Kong's business community.

Hong Kong's Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa (on the right), State Secretary of Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins and State Secretary of the Ministry of Transport Vigo Legzdins (on the left)

Messrs Riekstins and Legzdins met with Hong Kong's Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa. They discussed ways of promoting diplomatic, economic and cultural co-operation between Latvia and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. Particular attention was paid to maritime transportation. Tung Chee-hwa noted that good prospects exist for co-operation between Latvia and Hong Kong. He congratulated Latvia on its progress towards membership of the EU and NATO, which, in the opinion of the Hong Kong government, makes Latvia a more attractive and interesting partner for cooperation in South-East Asia.

During the meeting with Hong Kong's Permanent Secretary of Commerce, Industry and Technology, Ms Denise Yue, the discussions focused on trade and investment opportunities. Latvia's delegation also met with Hong Kong's Deputy Secretary of Home Affairs, Mr Leo Kwan, who is also a leading figure of Hong Kong's cultural life. Of particular note was the visit to Hong Kong's "Modern Terminal", where the Latvian delegation became acquainted with Hong Kong's modern container transport capabilities.

Mr Riekstins and Mr Legzdins met with the Latvian Association "Talka" in Hong Kong, led by Ms Aelita Brivins. The Latvian community in Hong Kong promotes energetically economic and cultural ties between Latvia and Hong Kong.

Other scheduled meetings for Latvia's delegation include one with Hong Kong's Secretary of Economic Development and Labour, Ms Sandra Lee, and another with the management of the international container and maritime transport logistics company Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL).

The delegation from Latvia will continue its China visit in Beijing on January 15.

The Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in the People's Republic of China