Analytics, Economics, EU – Baltic States, Forum, Latvia

Valdis Dombrovskis, Aivia Ronis and Andris Teikmanis. Riga, 25.08.2010.

The program for the first day was focused on the promotion of the economic growth of Latvia, but the agenda for 25 August dealt with Latvia's priorities in the foreign policy of the European Union and NATO against the backdrop of international events and processes.

The meeting of heads of Latvia's diplomatic missions was opened by Foreign Minister Aivis Ronis who highlighted the priorities of his work – engaging resources and removing obstacles related to that, as well as raising national self-confidence. "The top priority is foreign policy activity to raise the value of strategic resources, restore Latvia's competitiveness in the region, and our economic security," the foreign minister emphasized.

The minister indicated that in this context work should be continued with Germany, also with the aim of becoming part of the European Union – Russian co-operation. When speaking about the regional dimension, Foreign Minister accentuated the need for an even closer involvement of Poland in the economics of the region, including eastern Latvia. Ronis underlined the aim of rendering foreign policy more rational and the necessity to be faithful to transatlantic collective security system. At the same time he drew attention to forging closer co-operation between the European Union and NATO.

President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers honored the event with his presence and emphasized determination to make every effort towards the continuation of the initial foreign policy course. Zatlers also shared reflections on a future perspective for Latvia and on strengthening patriotism among the people. On the other hand, Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis (New Era) and the heads of diplomatic missions discussed the attraction of investments, the economic situation in Latvia, next year's budget, as well as the program for economic stabilization.

Representatives from five political powers had also arrived to meet the ambassadors and to contribute to the discussion on Latvia's economic situation and development prospects. Taking part in the discussion moderated by the foreign minister's supernumerary advisor on economic issues Girts Rungainis, were Aigars Stokenbergs (Unity), Raimonds Vajonis (Union of Greens and Farmers), Arturs Bergholcs (All for Latvia-TB/LNNK), Ainars Slesers (For a Good Latvia) and Janis Urbanovics (Harmony Center). Although the politicians differed in their opinions on the promotion of Latvia's outgoing economies and development in a regional context, they shared a view that the role of the Latvian diplomatic service in the facilitation of Latvia's economic growth should be strengthened.

The director of the Latvian Investment and Development Agency Andris Ozols informed the participants about the agency's activities in attracting investments and reviewed co-operation with the Foreign Ministry and Latvian embassies abroad. Also taking part in the meeting was the head of the Corruption Prevention Department of the Corruption Prevention Bureau Diana Kurpniece, who briefed the ambassadors about the latest developments in the field of corruption prevention.

On 25 August, the Foreign Ministry received a visit from Helga Schmid, Director of Policy Unit of the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union, and Dirk Brengelmann, NATO's Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy. Shmid talked with the Latvian ambassadors about current EU issues in an international context – the European Neighborhood Policy, with a particular focus on the Eastern Partnership, as well as about relations with third countries, the changes brought about by the Treaty of Lisbon, and the formation of the European External Action Service. The council's representative commended Latvia on its participation in international missions in Georgia and elsewhere.

NATO's Bengelmann, together with the Permanent Representative of Latvia to NATO Janis Eichmanis and other leaders of diplomatic missions debated the new NATO Strategic Concept, the alliance's challenges in a changing international environment – terrorism, the proliferation of nuclear weapons, energy security and other issues. In his address, Brengelmann stressed that NATO does not aspire to become a global organization, but to develop durable relations with global partners. Special attention was devoted to NATO's activity in Afghanistan and relations with Russia.

The Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary of State, Political Director Andris Razans informed his colleagues about the current developments in international politics and reviewed Latvia's foreign policy priorities, but the head of the Foreign Ministry's European Union Directorate Ilze Juhansone and the Permanent Representative of Latvia to the European Union Normunds Popens discussed with the ambassadors topics on the EU agenda: tackling the economic and financial crisis, the EU 2020 Strategy, planning the EU's budget, as well as preparations for Latvia's EU presidency in 2015. The ambassadors were also addressed by the Minister of Culture Ints Dalderis (New Era).

In the conclusion of the meeting, Secretary of State Andris Teikmanis presented an outline of the directions and priorities for Latvia's foreign policy in future.

The Foreign Ministry organizes an annual two-day meeting for the heads of the diplomatic representations of Latvia in order to evaluate the work accomplished during the year and to discuss further tasks of the diplomatic service.