Embassy of the United States

Riga, May 10, 2006. –United States Ambassador to Latvia Catherine Todd Bailey met May 10 with members of the Saeima’s Foreign Affairs Committee at the invitation of Committee Chairwoman Vaira Paegle. This was the Ambassador’s first meeting with the committee and was an opportunity for the Ambassador and committee members to discuss a wide range of bilateral issues.

During the one hour meeting, Ambassador Bailey and committee members talked about Latvia-United States cooperation in the framework of U.S.-EU relations, promoting democracy in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, the participation of Latvian troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and promoting economic and commercial ties between the two countries.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Ambassador Bailey commented on the importance of today’s meeting. Ambassador Bailey said, “I value opportunities such as this meeting when I can hear the opinions of Latvia’s elected representatives and discuss with them how best to strengthen the already strong bonds between our two countries.”

Chairwoman Paegle also said, “The open and candid discussion we had in the committee with Ambassador Bailey is proof positive of the kind of relationship Latvia enjoys with the United States of America—an equal partnership between countries that value peace, democracy, and a free, open and tolerant society.”

U.S. Embassy, Riga, Public Affairs Section
Smilšu iela 7
Rīga, LV 1050
Phone: 371 750-9022
Internet: www.usembassy.lv
Media specialist’s e-mail: ruklisk@state.gov