Riga hosts discussions on EU-Azerbaijan strategic partnership agreement

The EU-Azerbaijan strategic partnership agreement has been discussed at a working dinner which the Swiss Embassy to Latvia organized in honor of Foreign Minister of Latvia Edgars Rinkevic, involving heads of foreign missions of the countries accredited in Riga and not included in the EU.

The participants in the event on behalf of Latvia included head of the Latvian Foreign Ministry's Directorate of Bilateral Relations and Deputy FM Margers Krams, Adviser to the Foreign Minister Martins Dregeris and other officials.

Azerbaijan was represented by Charge d'Affaires to Latvia Garay Muradov.

Swiss Ambassador to Latvia Markus Dutli made the opening remarks.

Addressing the event, Edgars Rinkevic highlighted Latvia's foreign policy, as well as the issues as EU's foreign policy priorities, fight against terrorism, security, ZUBR freight train and transport corridors. Responding to participants' questions, Rinkevic pointed to the situation in Syria, saying the only solution to the conflict is through political means with the participation of regional countries. He hailed the necessity of ceasefire between the sides for improving the current state in the country, restoration of peace talks and delivering the humanitarian aid.

Providing an insight into the EU Eastern Partnership, Mr. Rinkevic spoke about the preparation of agreements between the EU and Azerbaijan.

During his talk with Garay Muradov, Edgars Rinkevic highlighted Speaker of the Latvian Saeima Inara Murniece's current visit to Baku, as well as other planned high level visits to the country.

The sides also exchanged views on the agreement on EU-Azerbaijan strategic partnership which was submitted to Azerbaijan for consideration.