ZAGREB, May 26, 2018 – Croatia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Marija Pejčinović Burić concluded her two-day visit to Latvia on Friday, where she met with local officials for talks on cooperation within the European Union and NATO and strengthening economic cooperation, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs said in a press release.
Croatia and Latvia, which this year celebrates a centenary of its independence, foster friendly relations based on mutual early recognition and understanding and on Latvia’s support for Croatia in its EU and NATO integration.
Pejčinović Burić and her Latvian counterpart Edgars Rinkevics discussed possibilities of establishing stronger bilateral ties, especially in industry, tourism, defence and culture, and joint twinning projects. They exchanged views on current issues relating to the EU, notably the United Kingdom’s departure from the bloc and the multiannual financial framework.
Pejčinović Burić spoke of Croatia’s preparations for accession to the Schengen area, the euro area and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
In light of the Croatian presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2020, Rinkevics said that his country was willing to continue sharing its experience. Latvia held the six-month rotating presidency of the EU in the first half of 2015.
The two officials agreed that security and support for the countries of Southeast Europe and the Eastern Partnership were of great importance for Europe’s stability. They also exchanged opinions on the forthcoming NATO summit.
Pejčinović Burić also met with Minister of Economy Arvils Aseradens, with whom she discussed economic cooperation, with the focus on energy and tourism, as well as with Inese Libina-Egnere, the head of the group for interparliamentary relations with Croatia, and Lolita Cigane, chair of the Latvian Parliament’s European Affairs Committee.
The Croatian minister laid flowers at the Freedom Monument in Riga and visited the National Library, the Museum of Occupation and NATO’s Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence, the press release said.
