President of Latvia meets NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer 

 14.07.2006

President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga met NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer in Riga Castle today and discussed the NATO summit expected in Riga at the end of November. The President expressed satisfaction with the fact that Latvia and NATO actively co-operate for the successful organization of the summit and used the opportunity to thank both NATO Secretary-General and his team as well as the Latvian working group for their efforts in organizing the summit.

The President expressed satisfaction that today during the meeting with NATO Secretary-General both of them had the possibility to visit the historic celebration of the 800th anniversary of Cesis and pointed out that Cesis have a symbolic meaning in the history of Latvia – it has been the place of freedom fights significant for the independence of Latvia. According to the President now when Latvia is a full-fledged NATO member state it is very appropriate that NATO Secretary-General has the opportunity to address the inhabitants of such a significant town in the history of Latvia.

Jaap de Hoop Scheffer stressed the significance of NATO Riga Summit and pointed out that during the summit answers will found to the 21st century security challenges in the world. He expressed the belief that the heads of NATO member states in Riga will discuss these very significant issues for the organization.

During the meeting both parties discussed the programme and significance of the NATO Riga Summit.