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Today, on October 31, Aigars Kalvītis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, during his working visit to the United States of America, met Richard B. Cheney, Vice-President of the United States.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the United States of America is an ally and strategic partner of Latvia and highly acknowledged support of the United States for Latvia’s integration in the NATO and for organising the NATO Summit of 2006 in Rīga. Close partnership of both countries is evidenced by the two visit of U.S. President George Bush to Rīga during last two years.
The Prime Minister noted that the Neighbourhood Policy of the EU is a long-term foreign policy priority of Latvia and informed the U.S. Vice-President about Latvia’s experience in the implementation of development cooperation projects.
Aigars Kalvītis and the U.S. Vice-President discussed energy issues and shared the view that it is important to cooperate and to undertake joint measures in the area of energy security.
The officials discussed topical security policy issues, and the Prime Minister informed about involvement of Latvia’s armed forces in international operations and on the relevant future plans.
Concerning international matters, Aigars Kalvītis emphasised that it is essential to not only resolve conflicts by military means but to contribute to country’s restoration and recovering. Sending of a Latvian political advisor to Afghanistan has been performed within a new integrated approach with regard to international operations; this approach envisages participation in the stabilisation and restoration phase following the military operations by ensuring rule of law and improving the social and economic situation.
Aigars Kalvītis and Richard B. Cheney discussed political matters in the context of the NATO Summit in Bucharest scheduled for April 2008.
The Prime Minister urged the U.S. Vice-President to promote accession of Latvia and other EU Member States to the U.S. visa-free regime as soon as possible. Aigars Kalvītis noted that the Minister for the Interior is also included in the Latvian delegation demonstrating Latvia’s commitment to comply with the relevant security criteria defined by the United States in order to ensure a visa-free regime for Latvia’s tourists travelling to the United States.
Jana Vektere
Consultant
Communication Department
State Chancellery
Phone: 67082919, mob. ph.: 29244699
E-mail: Jana.Vektere@mk.gov.lv
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