State Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andris Teikmanis Visit Russian Federation (The Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in the Russian Federation)

02.12.2014. 19:09

Between 29-31 January 2003, Undersecretary of State at Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andris Teikmanis was on a visit to Moscow, during which political consultations took place between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Latvia and the Russian Federation. On 31 January Mr Teikmanis met with Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Vladimir Chizhov, and senior officials of the Second European Department of Russia's Foreign Ministry.

In the course of consultations both parties reaffirmed their readiness to develop constructive interstate relations in line with the interests of both countries. Latvia invited Russia to utilise more actively the opportunities for co-operation afforded by Latvia's integration into the European Union and NATO. In this respect, Mr Teikmanis stressed the need to intensify and broaden the political dialogue between Latvia and Russia. He mentioned that participation by the Latvian President at St Petersburg's 300th anniversary festivities could contribute significantly to the development of interstate dialogue.

The representatives of Latvia's and Russia's Foreign Ministries also discussed prospects for further developing the legal framework of relations between Latvia and the Russian Federation. Latvia's Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the hope that the Russian Federation will finalise all the necessary legal procedures to ensure the entry into force of the Agreement between Latvia and the Russian Federation on Co-operation in Customs Matters.

Latvia expressed the view that the currently applied terms by the Russian Federation with respect to the transit of energy resources through Latvia do not facilitate economic co-operation between Latvia and the Russian Federation. They do not conform to the principles of the free market, nor to those of the European Union-Russia energy dialogue and they are not compatible with the requirements of the World Trade Organization.

The delegations discussed the issue of ensuring efficient and speedy crossing of the Latvia-Russia border by freight carriers.

The Latvian side informed its discussion partners of the selection of new representatives from Latvia to participate in the Latvia-Russia Intergovernmental Commission.

Mr Teikmanis invited Mr Vladimir Chizhov to visit Latvia. At the conclusion of discussions, representatives of both countries expressed interest in signing a co-operation protocol between their respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs.

The Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in the Russian Federation