Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati is paying an official visit to Latvia today, in the framework of a regional tour in the Baltic countries.

During the meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, Mr. Edgar Rinkevich, Minister Bushati discussed the cooperation between the two countries and the importance of revitalizing economic cooperation.

The ministers paid special attention to the European integration process, the transformational impact of enlargement policies in the Balkan region, including its security. Minister Bushati informed his colleague about the reform process in Albania, focusing on justice reform, and the measures undertaken by the Albanian Government in meeting the five key priorities in the integration process, aiming to open membership negotiations.

Minister Rinkevic confirmed Latvian support for a positive decision to open negotiations with Albania for EU membership this year.

The ministers discussed the situation in the region. Minister Rinkevic praised the constructive role of Albania in the Western Balkans region as a constant factor of stability and regional cooperation.

During the meeting, the ministers exchanged views on the global security issues that Europe and the world is facing. Ministers Bushati and Rinkevics praised the cooperation and role of their countries, both as NATO member states, in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, the IS, and for the third actors role in regional crises.

In addition, Minister Bushati also held meetings with the mayor of Saeima, Latvia, Ms. Inara Murniece, with the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Ms. Lolita Cigane, whom he informed about Albania's progress and aspirations towards the EU. During his stay in Latvia, Minister Bushati paid a visit to the NATO ePA military base in Adazi, where the second contingent of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania is serving, with an EOD platoon of 18 soldiers.