EU – Baltic States, Integration, Latvia, Legislation

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Minister Rinkēvičs expressed support for Macedonia’s efforts of integration with the EU and NATO and Macedonia’s path toward membership in both organisations. “The enlargement of both the EU and NATO should take place in accordance withthe performance of candidate countries and the fulfilment of the set criteria. If the candidate countries meet the required conditions they should be given an opportunity to go ahead with their integration”, Foreign Minister Rinkēvičs stated.

The Minister urged the Macedonian officials to continue with reforms, especially in the economic dimension, and in strengthening rule of law and good governance. The Latvian Foreign Minister said he hoped that it would be possible to reach an agreement on the dispute over Macedonia’s name thereby speeding progress towards euroatlantic integration goals. Edgars Rinkēvičs expressed readiness to share Latvia’s experience with integration into the EU. The Minister noted that Latvian experts would like to take part in the EU-funded projects aimed at strengthening the rule of law in Macedonia.

The Latvian and Macedonian government officials also talked about the Wales NATO Summit scheduled for 4 and 5 September, which will also include a meeting between Allies and candidate countries at the level of Foreign Minister. Minister Rinkēvičs highly appreciated Macedonia’s contributions to strengthening of international security and stability which have been made while it was taking part in the international missions in Iraq, Afghanistan and other global hotspots.

The officials of both countries agreed to reinforce the political dialogue between Latvia and Macedonia and to organise consultations between the Foreign Ministries of both countries in advance of Latvia’s EU Presidency.

It was agreed that the legal framework for Latvian-Macedonian relations should be expanded by preparing an agreement on cultural cooperation, a memorandum of understanding between the foreign ministries, as well as other agreements. Foreign Minister Rinkēvičs called on the Macedonian side to look positively upon the issue of visa-free travel to Macedonia for Latvia’s non-citizens. The Latvian and Macedonian officials agreed that cooperation between the two countries should be increased in the area of trade and commerce. The Latvian Foreign Minister informed the Macedonian side about the opportunities for Macedonian students to attend Latvian universities.

Edgars Rinkēvičs and the Macedonian officials also discussed cooperation at NATO and other international organisations, the situation in the Balkans and Ukraine, the relations with Russia, and other issues currently on the foreign policy agenda.

The Latvian Foreign Minister will travel from the Macedonian capital Skopje to Tirana for an official visit to the Republic of Albania on 26 August.