Lithuania, Latvia discuss border treaty

  • 2010-02-24
  • Oskars Magone

Lithuania's new foreign minister also took the opportunity of his trip to Riga to meet with the Latvian president (photo: president's chancellery)

RIGA - In one of his first actions in his new post, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Azubalis has made a trip to neighboring Latvia, where he met briefly with the president and discussed bilateral relations with his Latvian counterpart, Maris Riekstins.

The main topic on the table in the meeting between the two foreign ministers was the controversial signing of the sea border treaty between the two countries.

Azubalis was earlier this month given the foreign ministry portfolio after his predecessor resigned under pressure from the president.

The sea border treaty has been an ongoing issue between the two countries, both of which are hard pressed to give up territory in hopes that undersea oil reserves may be exploited in the future.The topic has led to some heated arguments and statements by officials on both sides over the past 15 years.

An agreement has been ratified by the Lithuanian parliament, but has yet to pass through the Latvian Saeimas.

"This agreement is good, but we need to see how we can choose the right time to move ahead with the matter of its ratification, bearing in mind the political calendar," Riekstins told journalists.

"Unfortunately, this agreement gave rise to many stereotypes, and these stereotypes need to be overcome; however, to do this will require common endeavors and a common political will, and this requires time," said Azubalis.