Riga - Latvia, May 15 (Petra)-- Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs received Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs Ayman Safadi on Friday in the Latvian capital, Riga, where Safadi conveyed greetings from His Majesty King Abdullah II and reaffirmed the King’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between Jordan and Latvia.
President Rinkēvičs conveyed his greetings to King Abdullah II and expressed Latvia’s interest in expanding cooperation with Jordan across various sectors.
The meeting addressed mechanisms to enhance cooperation in several vital fields in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and peoples.
Discussions also covered regional developments and international issues of mutual concern.
Earlier, Safadi began his official visit to Latvia with expanded talks with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže, focusing on prospects for advancing bilateral cooperation as well as collaboration within the framework of the European Union.
The two ministers agreed to identify areas of cooperation and the necessary steps to boost collaboration in the economic, trade, investment, education, and health sectors, in addition to defense industries and security cooperation.
They also stressed the importance of continuing coordination and cooperation within the European Union framework across various fields.
During the visit, Safadi and Braže signed an agreement between the two governments exempting holders of diplomatic passports from visa requirements, as well as a memorandum of understanding between the two foreign ministries establishing a mechanism for bilateral political consultations.
The ministers agreed to hold the first round of political consultations at the earliest opportunity. The foreign ministries of both countries will also develop a roadmap outlining operational programs aimed at increasing cooperation in promising sectors and strengthening ties between the private sectors of the two nations.
Talks also addressed developments in the region and efforts aimed at ending escalation and restoring lasting security and stability. Safadi highlighted Latvia’s important role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in supporting efforts to achieve peace and stability.
As part of the visit the first by a Jordanian foreign minister to Latvia Safadi and his Latvian counterpart visited the Freedom Monument in Riga, where they laid wreaths in honor of victims of Latvia’s War of Independence.
Safadi also toured Riga Stradiņš University and a military medical complex alongside Braže, where discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in the health and education sectors.
Latvia marks the first stop in Safadi’s Baltic tour, which also includes visits to Estonia and Lithuania. During the tour, Safadi is expected to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments with his counterparts. He is also scheduled to participate on Saturday in the Lennart Meri Conference in the Estonian capital, Tallinn.
//Petra// MF
