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Joachim Gauck and Raimonds Vejonis. Wartburg, 21.09.2015. Photo: president.lv

During the meeting, Vejonis emphasized the successful cooperation between Latvia and Germany in defense and security, in particular joint military exercises and Germany's contribution to the Baltic Air Policing mission.

The presidents also discussed the current problem of asylum seekers in the European Union. Latvia has agreed to participate in tackling the challenges faced by the EU, but concerns of Latvian residents and politicians are also understandable, said Vejonis. He also said there were member states that supported the European Commission's proposals regarding relocation of refugees, but some member states wished to analyze the proposal in more detail and find the best means to show their solidarity with Europe.

Vejonis added that, while Latvia had agreed to take in additional refugees in line with the Commission's offer, there were several urgent problems needing to be solved – support and care for war refugees arriving in Europe, and more efficient protection of the EU's borders. Gauck said that bolstering the EU's borders would be discussed thoroughly at the EU in couple weeks.

Vejonis and Gauck also discussed cooperation between the public media of Germany and Latvia, and opportunities to provide Russian-speaking residents with analytical and unbiased information.