EU – Baltic States, Integration, Latvia, Legislation

Mevlut Cavusoglu and Laimdota Straujuma. Riga, 22.04.2014. Photo: flickr.com

During the meeting the Prime Minister and the Minister for the EU Affairs of Turkey expressed gratitude over the active economic and political relations between Latvia and Turkey.

The Minister for the EU Affairs of Turkey also expressed the support for the accession negotiations of Latvia with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), as well as pointed out that he hopes for Latvia's support in Turkey's accession negotiations with the EU. The Minister noted that "the European Union needs Turkey and Turkey needs the European Union", particularly in the context of events in Ukraine. The Prime Minister expressed the support of Latvia to Turkey's membership in the EU after the closure of accession negotiations. During its Presidency of the Council of the EU, Latvia is ready to actively work on the EU enlargement issue.

Discussing the situation in Ukraine, both parties expressed concern over further development of events. The Prime Minister emphasized that it is necessary that the presidential elections in Ukraine on July 25 proceed successfully and in line with international standards.