The Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, A. Yatseniuk, held a Meeting with The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, Maris Riekstins.
The Parties discussed matters relating to Ukrainian/Latvian bilateral relations, and emphasized the importance of their further development on the basis of adherence to general European values. They noted their mutual interest in furthering the parliamentary component of inter-state co-operation, with regard to the working of parliamentary cooperation groups in the legislatures of both countries.
The Parties exchanged their visions of the Foreign Policy component of Ukrainian/Latvian relations, and touched on Ukraine's European and Euro-Atlantic Integration issues. A. Yatseniuk stressed that aspirations of Euro-integration is a priority for this country. However, an open and fair dialogue with Ukrainian society will precede Ukraine's accession to influential World Organisations, to make it aware of the tasks and purposes of these International Alliances.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Latvia confirmed the willingness of the Latvian Administration to contribute, in every way, to reforming and strengthening Democracy in Ukraine. He noted, that the participation of Ukrainian media in the NATO Summit in Bucharest in April will be initiated to promote impartial information to Ukrainian citizens on the operation of the North Atlantic Alliance.
The Parties also touched on the matter of Latvia´s recognition of the Famine (Holodomor) in 1932/4 in Ukraine. M. Riekstins notified the Ukrainian party that the Latvian Seim (Parliament) will hear a Draft Resolution on the historical events in Ukraine, and namely recognition of the Famine, and expressed his belief that this Declaration will shortly be adopted. A. Yatseniuk, in his turn, thanked the Latvian Diplomat for Latvia´s support of Ukraine in this matter, which is of great importance to the people of Ukraine.
In the course of conversation, The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia offered a positive appraisal of the political processes unfolding in Ukraine, and expressed his hope for the further continuation of democratic transformations in this country.
A. Yatseniuk and M. Riesktins agreed on the need for continuing the dialogue between the two countries, at the most senior level.
Taking part in the Meeting were The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Latvia, Raul Chilachava, and The Head of the Diplomatic Mission of Latvia to Ukraine, Atis Sjanits.