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

Edgars Rinkevics and Nickolay Mladenov. Sofia, 19.09.2012. Photo: flickr.com

During his meeting with the Bulgarian foreign minister, Rinkevics noted with satisfaction that this year sees the 90th anniversary since Bulgaria recognized Latvia’s independence. Both ministers expressed intention to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, notably, in the field of economy and trade. Rinkevics and Mladenov agreed to hold regular consultations between experts from both foreign ministries about the topics on the current European and international agenda.

The Latvian Foreign Ministry informs that Latvia and Bulgaria cooperate successfully also within the European Union and NATO. Latvia, like Bulgaria, is interested in the convergence of the rates of direct payments in agriculture and preserving cohesion policy funding: both states belong to the “Friends of Cohesion Policy” group.

Also yesterday, Rinkevics and Mladenov discussed the current developments in the EU and the euro-zone. The Latvian foreign minister indicated that Latvia was interested in joining a strong euro area in 2014; the decision, however, would be taken next spring. At the same time, Rinkevics stressed that non-eurozone countries should be in negotiations and formats at which economic and financial stability measures are decided, as those decisions affect all the EU member states.

The Latvian foreign minister expressed support for the inclusion of Bulgaria into the area of the Schengen Agreement. The report by the European Commission confirms that Bulgaria has fulfilled the required criteria for joining the Schengen zone. The Bulgarian foreign minister also expressed interest in taking over the experience of the implementation of the strategy for the Baltic Sea Region while developing cooperation in the Black Sea Region.

The two foreign ministers also expressed support for the Eastern Partnership initiative and its member countries in integrating with Europe and carrying out reforms. The parties discussed possibilities for strengthening Latvian-Bulgarian cooperation in the defense sector.

Both Latvia and Bulgaria are interested in increasing tourist exchange between both countries. In the field of culture, Rinkevics highlighted the participation by the world-renowned Bulgarian conductor, Vladimir Kiradijev, at the Sigulda Opera Festival where he conducted ''La Traviata''. The project was carried out with assistance from the Honorary Consul in Bulgaria Alexander Popov. The Latvian foreign minister expressed hope that this type of cooperation would continue.

During his meeting with the speaker of the Bulgarian Parliament Tsetska Tsacheva, the parties expressed determination to strengthen contacts between the members of the Latvian and Bulgarian parliaments.

Also during his visit to Bulgaria, Rinkevics gave several interviews for the Bulgarian mass media, including public television and Bulgarian radio.