Cooperation, EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Legislation

Teikmanis pointed out that it is necessary to also continue the close cooperation with Eastern Partnership Initiative countries, taking into account each country's individual situation and needs, LETA was informed by the Foreign Ministry's press and information department.

During today's meeting, the Baltic and Nordic state secretaries discussed cooperation within international missions, as well as cooperation between foreign ministries in maintaining joint diplomatic representation outside the European Union. Attention was also devoted to current foreign policy developments and the situation in North Africa, the Middle East and Russia. The state secretary of the Foreign Ministry of Sweden, Frank Belfrage, outlined the NB-8 cooperation priorities for 2013, when Sweden will assume coordination of Baltic-Nordic cooperation.

The NB-8 (Nordic–Baltic Eight) format comprises the three Baltic States and Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway and Sweden. The NB-8 cooperation is characterized by a regular political dialogue among the government officials and practical cooperation, which is analyzed on an annual basis to set directions for further efforts. Regular meetings within the NB-8 format give an opportunity for the Baltic and Nordic heads of government and experts to discuss the matters important to their countries.