Baltic States – CIS, Energy, EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Legislation, Transport

"Latvia is interested in overcoming the crisis in the EU and the development of united and strong Europe and national states. Therefore the country must continue to implement its measures – responsible economic and fiscal policies, and be able to quickly react to potentially changeable situations, for example – Lisbon Treaty amendments," states the report.

In regard to the EU, Latvia will focus on closer economic cooperation with the EU, its multi-annual budget, the country's EU presidency, energy and transport sectors, the Eastern Partnership, EU-Russia relations and the bloc's further enlargement, writes LETA.

The report also focuses on Baltic-Nordic cooperation, security policy, transatlantic and external economic relations, cooperation within international organizations and with diaspora, consular area, development cooperation, public diplomacy and strengthening of diplomatic services.

The foreign minister also points out that Latvia will continue to call for such EU multi-annual project bill that will promote equal living standards in the EU, strengthening the bloc's competitiveness. He does not exclude the possibility that, in case of reduced funding, Latvia, just like other member states, will have to define its priorities, for example – direct agricultural payments or cohesion.

The country will also seek areas of mutual interest with Germany and Poland – the countries affecting the debate on the EU's future.

According to the report, it is in Latvia's interest to achieve a favorable decision on the construction of a liquefied natural gas terminal in Latvia. The country is also interested in further developing the Visaginas nuclear power plant project in Lithuania and the high-speed railroad project "Rail Baltica".

Regarding the upcoming NATO Summit in Chicago, Latvia wishes to strengthen trans-Atlantic ties and develop NATO partnership policies.

"Latvia is interested in stable, safe, democratic and modern development of the Russian Federation. Latvia wants to develop excellent relations with all neighbor states. Taking into account the international importance of the Russian Federation, the country also wishes to develop bilateral Latvian-Russian cooperation based on mutual interests.