Pope Benedict XVI

Wednesday, June 20, Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis visits the Vatican City State, where he meets with Pope Benedict XVI. During the meeting, Latvia’s candidacy will be proposed for the organization of the World Youth Day. The Prime Minister will also invite the Pope to visit Latvia.

Dombrovskis also plans on meeting with the Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone, to discuss the cooperation of the two countries, reports Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Martins Panke.

The current relationships between Latvia and the Vatican are very good. The Vatican was one of the first countries that recognized the independence of the Republic of Latvia after its foundation in 1918, and it never acknowledged the occupation of the Baltic States. In 2011, the 20th anniversary since the restoration of diplomatic relationships between Latvia and the Vatican was celebrated. In terms of international relationships both countries are united by principles of solidarity, basic principles of human rights and the importance of following universal principles of ethics.

The last visit of the Latvian Prime Minister to the Vatican took place in 2002. All previous Latvian Prime Ministers have visited the Vatican at some point in their careers.

During his visit, Dombrovskis will also meet with the Italian Minister for European Affairs Enzo Muavera. Our Prime Minister will also hand the Medal of Three Stars to the former Ambassador of Italy to Latvia Francesco Puccio to thank him for his hard work in the development of Italian-Latvian relationships.

Dombrovskis will discuss the agenda of next week’s meeting of the European Council, as well as inform him about Latvia’s position on the long term budget of the European Union for 2014-2020. They will also discuss the goal of ensuring a sufficient amount of financing from the cohesion fund and reaching a fair division of direct payments for agriculture.

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