President Lennart Meri yesterday received in his Paslepa residence Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the President of the Republic of Latvia, whom he had invited to a two-day working visit in Estonia. President Meri offered dinner to the Latvian President.

On the meeting it was agreed that the Latvian President’s state visit to Estonia would take place in May 2000.

The Presidents spoke of the relations between the two countries and the need for more co-ordination in activities concerning the common interests. The Latvian President thanked the Estonian leadership for supporting Latvia last spring. President Meri confirmed that Estonia has on all forums expressed her hope that Latvia could be invited to the EU accession negotiations already this year, and will continue to do so.

The Presidents discussed in more detail the improvement of border control and the fortification of Latvia’s eastern border, subjects that the Presidents Meri and Vike-Freiberga have also discussed on their earlier meetings. The Latvian President confirmed that following the example of Estonia, Latvia has given more attention to border control.

Also the common energy policy of the Baltic States and the Baltic Sea energy circle were discussed.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, August 30, 1999

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