High level talks concluded in Ankara

  • 2010-07-07
  • From wire reports

RIGA - Political consultations took place in Ankara on July 1 between the Latvian and Turkish foreign ministries, at which discussion took place of current affairs in the relations between the two countries, reports news agency LETA. The two sides discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, planning high-level visits and measures for stimulating economic cooperation.

During the consultations, which from the Latvian side were led by Foreign Ministry Political Director Andris Razans, several meetings took place with high officials from the Turkish Foreign Ministry. A significant place in the discussions was taken by matters connected with Turkey’s integration into the European Union - the ongoing process of talks, as well as the reforms being carried out in Turkey. Razans expressed support for Turkey’s inclusion in the EU. The Turkish side stressed that membership in the EU is its main foreign policy priority.

The two sides also discussed the development of the situation in the Middle East region and the Caucasus, as well as the international community’s efforts to ensure that Iran fulfills its international obligations in terms of its nuclear program. Discussion also covered matters of European security and relations between the EU and Turkey’s neighbors.  The embassies of both countries also organized talks with major state and private sector organizations from Turkey’s ports and transport sector, participated in by Razans, Latvian Ambassador to Turkey Aivars Vovers, and Freeport of Riga Deputy Council Chairman Viesturs Silenieks.

The two sides discussed opportunities to activate cooperation between Latvian and Turkey in the sphere of transport shipments, the shipment projects which the Freeport of Riga is currently involved in, and also outlined specific future cooperation directions between the relevant institutions in Latvia and Turkey.