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Joachim Gauck and Andris Berzins. Berlin, 16.01.2015. Photo: president.lv

During the bilateral meeting that lasted for an hour, Berzins and Gauck discussed EU priorities during Latvia's Presidency of the EU Council, as well as their visions of the development of Europe and the world.

At the beginning of the meeting, Berzins presented Gauck with the historic album "Terra Mariana. 1186-1888". Gauck said he highly appreciated the gift, and in turn presented Berzins with a facsimile of the "Nibelungenlied".

Gauck wished Latvia every success during its Presidency of the EU Council, and said that Germany would strongly support Latvia during this period. Berzins said, commenting on Latvia's status of Germany's partner country at the "Green Week" fair this year, that he saw the fair as a great opportunity for developing closer contacts between both countries and fostering bilateral cooperation in agriculture and forestry.

Gauck asked Berzins to comment on the political situation in Latvia since the Saeima elections last fall, and Berzins said that the government was composed of very experienced politicians. He went on to say that Latvia had been preparing for the Eastern Partnership aspect of its presidency, trying to expand bilateral relations with not only Eastern Partnership countries, but also with Central Asia, a region very important for the economic development of not only Latvia but the entire EU.

Both presidents agreed that the Eastern Partnership policy had to proceed in a well thought-out and unhurried way, with individual approach to each country, so as to avoid mistakes and failures. The Baltic countries are an ideal negotiation partner to the Eastern Partnership countries, as they historically understand them best, a fact that should be used in the EU's interest, said Gauck.

Speaking of the situation in Ukraine, Berzins said the number one priority was to stop the war and killings of civilians, and only then a diplomatic solution could be sought to the conflict.

There is no other way. The solution will not be easy nor quick, but it has to be reached, said Berzins.