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Andris Berzins and Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Riga, 17.04.2015. Photo: president.lv

Steinmeier went on to praise and congratulate the Latvian Presidency, LETA was informed by the Presidential Press Service.

Both officials met today to discuss bilateral relations, regional cooperation and matters on the international agenda. Berzins also once again expressed condolences to Germany in regard to the recent Germanwings plane catastrophe.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the strengthening of bilateral relations, especially in such areas as media, culture, education and mutual contacts between residents.

Meanwhile, during a meeting with Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma (Unity), Steinmeier pointed out that May's Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga will be a ''real signal from the EU on its continuation of close and long-term cooperation with each of the Eastern Partnership countries''.

As LETA was informed by the Cabinet of Ministers, discussing the situation in Ukraine, both sides emphasized that the implementation of the conditions of the Minsk agreements must continue. They also emphasized the continued EU support for Ukraine's reform process, as well as the upcoming conference in Kiev later this month, where Ukraine's reform process will be discussed.

During their meeting, Straujuma also thanked the German foreign minister for Germany's support in cooperation with Latvia in such areas as education, security and many others.