.jpg) Consultations between the Latvian delegation, led by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China |
At the consultations, the Chinese representatives were led by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Liu Guchang. The participants agreed that relations between Latvia and China are stable and constructive and that they are developing dynamically and successfully.
The Latvian delegation highly praised China's support for Latvia's foreign policy priority of integration into the European Union, and expressed satisfaction that China considers Latvia's desire to become a member of NATO as its sovereign right and choice.
During the consultations the importance of expanding the legal framework of relations between Latvia and China was emphasized. There was agreement on the need to conclude several important agreements on judicial co-operation, maritime and rail transport, and protection and promotion of investments.
The participants also reaffirmed the significance of continuing the successfully initiated political and diplomatic dialogue. In view of this, they discussed the possibilities for further promoting high-level visits; interparliamentary co-operation; contacts between entrepreneurs, non-governmental organisations, and academics; and sister-city agreements between the cities of both countries.
A dialogue has been opened between Latvia and China on human rights, as well as cultural and religious autonomy. These matters were also discussed during Mr Riekstins' meeting with Ms Li Shuzheng, Vice Chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress.
During the visit, the Latvian delegation met with Minister for Railways Fu Zhihuan, Vice Minister for Communications Hong Shanxiang, Vice Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation Zhou Keren, and the managers of SINOTRANS, one of the largest maritime and overland freight companies. Given the interest of Latvian entrepreneurs of the transit sector in expanding economic co-operation with China, State Secretary for the Ministry of Transport Vigo Legzdins was also a member of the delegation. Representatives of both countries discussed possibilities for further co-operation in trade, investment and transport, and Latvia's readiness to participate in projects related to the organization of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. They agreed that the legal framework at the government level for successful business co-operation had been established.
The Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in the People's Republic of China