U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff visits Latvia

Riga, March 11th, 2008 – On Wednesday, March 12th, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff visited Riga.

Secretary Chertoff, signed on behalf of the U.S. Government a Memorandum of Understanding on the United States Visa Waiver Program and Related Enhanced Security Measures. The memorandum is an essential element in the path to Latvia’s admission to the Visa Waiver program. The signing took place at the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins signed on behalf of the Government of Latvia. While at the Foreign Ministry, Secretary Chertoff met with Prime Minister Ivars Godmanis. Later, he met with Latvian President Valdis Zatlers at Riga Castle. US Ambassador Charles Larson accompanied Secretary Chertoff during his visit.

U.S. Embassy, Riga, Public Affairs Section
Smilšu iela 7
Rīga, LV 1050
Phone: 371 750-9022
Internet: riga.usembassy.gov
Media specialist's e-mail: dilanes@state.gov lubinad@state.gov