Latvian president Vaira Vike-Freiberga met the President of Slovakia Ivan Gasparovich in Bratislav on July 6 upon assuming the state visit to Slovakia. During the meeting the parties dealt with the issues connected both with the bilateral relations between Latvia and Slovakia as well as the future of the EU and NATO.
Regarding bilateral relations the parties pointed out that the relations have turned out as very friendly and lately the trade volume between the countries has doubled as well as the interest about the joint co-operation in the EU, NATO and other international institutions has increased.
As to the situation in Slovakia the President of the country informed Vaira Vike-Freiberga about the constitution process of the new government the head of which Robert Ficowas elected yesterday, on 5 July. Vaira Vike-Freiberga expressed the hope that Slovakia will continue the national and international development course it has been following up to now by having open and just attitude towards minorities as well as continuing the successful economic growth in economy.
Concerning the issues of the common European future it was stressed that Europe must have pro-active position in the co-ordination of joint foreign, energy and security policy. It was also stressed that in autumn the NATO Summit in Riga is expected where the President of Slovakia is very much welcome to participate in the intended discussion on NATO transformation, establishment of the forces of fast reaction as well as other essential issues.
