IN REVIEW May 03 – 09, 2012 Issue 16

CONTENTS

Government Latvian President has Established Good Cooperation with all Authorities Latvia has Reached Certain Maturity as Free, Independent Country – Parlt Speaker

Economics Standard & Poor's Upgrades Rating on Latvia Bank of Latvia: Manufacturing in March Grows despite Worries, yet Confidence Worsens Shipping of NATO's Nonlethal Cargo to Afghanistan via Benefits Latvian Economy – PM Latvia's GDP might have Grown 5.6-7 pct in Q1 – Analysts Latvian Industrial Output Exceeds pre-Crisis Record - Analysts

Foreign Affairs Latvian Ministers Note Role of Russia, Central Asia in Development of Transit Route, Afghanistan during Intl Workshop in Riga Latvian PM to Participate in Annual Lennart Meri Conference in Tallinn Top-level Meeting of PMs to be Held in Latvia in Early 2013 Latvian PM to Attend Conference on Fiscal Policy Models in Foreign Minister and EU Special Representative Discuss Central Asian Region’s Issues Foreign Ministry State Secretary Meets US Department of State Official in Charge of Central Asia Affairs Foreign Ministries of Latvia and Turkey Hold Political Consultations

Society European Union Garden Festival Offers Diverse Activities for Visitors of all Generations PM Pays Visit to Shoot of Chan’s New Movie in Central Latvia, Meets World- Famous Film Star LNSO Season Closing Concert on 11th May Riga 2014 - European Capital of Culture: Travelling Exhibition opens in Rome Curtain up for new "Lucia di Lammermoor"

Articles of Interest The Guardian: Mariss Jansons: 'The Notes are just Signs. You have to go behind Them' Baltic Review: Latvia’s Rebirth Day

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Government Latvian president has established good cooperation with all authorities Baltic News Service RIGA, May 08, BNS - Latvian President Andris Berzins in almost a year since he was elected to the position has established good cooperation with all state authorities and believes that the role of the president to to unite and coordinate organizations for joint work. "I am sure that I have formed good cooperation with all state authorities -- the parliament, the government, especially Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis, and all other organizations that determine our life, and we are able to assess matters and look for practical solution as my position allows me to coordinate activities with these institutions so that they are heading in the same direction," said Berzins in an interview with the public Latvian Radio on Tuesday. Berzins was elected as the president on June 2, 2011, and he started working from July 8. Berzins said that he wishes that after the four years in his office, the majority of Latvian residents would feel that they are living better. "The most important assessment is how people feel, how safe they feel, how stable they are about the future. The moral indicators are more important to me than the material ones," said the president. In his words, it is necessary to ensure new workplaces, especially in Latvian regions, and raise the quality of eduation, especially higher education. Berzins said that he is not working to improve rating, but he is trying to listen into matters and solve painful issues, using his experience. "I do not believe that the country can be saved by one person. I am trying to find the direction, so that we are heading in the same direction -- that is how I see the role of the leader," said the Latvian president.

Latvia has reached certain maturity as free, independent country – parlt speaker RIGA, May 04, BNS – Latvia has reached a certain maturity as a free and independent country as it has proved itself as a loyal and active ally, said Latvian parliament speaker Solvita Aboltina at the parliament meeting dedicated to the Latvian Independence Restoration Day on Friday. She said that Latvia since accession to the European Union (EU) and NATO eight years ago is not any more a “new member state”, but it also imposes new duties as Latvia is expected to be innovative, able to contribute to further international cooperation development. “That is why we are interested to be among those countries, the core that cares for the future of the EU and strategic partnership with transatlantic partners,” said Aboltina. “Besides, it does not keep us from forming more active political and economic development with the new power centers in the world, form pragmatic relations with Russia, in the interests of the whole region strengthen cooperation with other Baltic states, the Nordic states, Poland and Germany,” said the speaker. She underscored that wide and active international cooperation will allow Latvian residents to live in security, stability and welfare.

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“In the future I see people who have gone to look for better life abroad returning to Latvia (…) Our people will return when economy is developing in Latvia, when they are able to earn money, teach their children and help their parents here,” said Aboltina. At the time when Latvia restored its independence and also now consolidation of political forces, the wish of residents to cooperate and support from national minorities are essential factors, said the speaker. Celebrating May 4 and the 90th anniversary of the Latvian Constitution, Aboltina called on people to become aware of their foundation – Latvia has been formed so that Latvians with the help of Latvian citizens of all nationalities would be able to rule in a democratic way, and Latvia is the only place where the Latvian language and culture is protected, cared for and developed. Latvia on May 4 marks the Independence Restoration Day. The Republic of Latvia was first proclaimed on Nov. 18, 1918, but lost its independence during World War II. On May 4, 1990 , lawmakers of Soviet Latvia adopted the Independence Declaration, proclaiming the country's independence from the crumbling Soviet Union. The Independence Declaration was the culmination of the Latvian Third Awakening and the peaceful Singing Revolution when dreams about an independent Latvia came true.

Economics Standard & Poor's upgrades rating on Latvia Baltic News Service RIGA, May 02, BNS - International ratings agency Standard & Poor's (S&P) has upgraded its long-term rating on Latvia to BBB-/A-3 from BB+/B, with the outlook stable, Latvian Finance Ministry spokesman Aleksis Jarockis told BNS. The ministry representative noted that the rating on free operating cash flow has been upped to A- from BBB+. Jarockis pointed out that with this decision S&P has restored its rating on Latvia at the investment grade, which is a significant appreciation of Latvia's economic potential in general. "Latvia is indeed in a unique situation now, because at a time when economic activity in the EU is on decline and ratings are being cut for several member states, our country has received an upgrade. The ratings agency has appreciated Latvia's future growth potential thanks to the job done by the government and entrepreneurs, as well as public support for balancing the economy. Latvia is currently standing out against the overall EU backdrop, because our economic growth this year is expected to be faster than in other countries, so Latvia is set to become increasingly attractive to investors and international entrepreneurs," said Latvian Finance Minister Andris Vilks. Representatives of the Finance Ministry said that S&P had explained the ratings upgrade with Latvia's improved political environment and fiscal discipline as Latvia continues to move towards its fiscal goals, cutting the budget deficit from 8.2 percent of GDP in 2010 to 3.5 percent in 2011.

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The ratings agency also indicated that Latvia's recent political reforms and commitments would reinforce political responsibility and ensure fiscal discipline in the medium-term, as well as significant economic resilience and a growth of exports in the GDP structure. Recent election reforms that made the parliamentary election procedure more transparent, restricting political advertising and ensuring government funding for political parties, will further strengthen political responsibility and enhance the general political environment in Latvia, the ministry representatives said, adding that S&P has also appreciated the fiscal discipline bill drawn up by the government, which calls for a balanced budget in the economic cycle and a ceiling for nominal expenditure. The bill is expected to take effect in mid-2012 and curb spending growth. S&P expects the Latvian government to meet its budget deficit target for 2012, which has been set below 3 percent of GDP, and will keep reducing the budget deficit in the medium term. Jarockis said that the stable outlook on Latvia's rating asserts the agency's opinion about developments in the private sector, as well as the improved fiscal and inflation figures, which have reduced the risks that Latvia's commitment to fiscal consolidation might weaken or that parent banks might scale down their operations in Latvia. The Finance Ministry hopes that in the future S&P might upgrade its rating on Latvia even further provided that positive changes continue in the private sector and fiscal and inflation figures meet the eurozone's requirements. Latvia's planned membership in the eurozone and the European Central Bank, as well as other crediting instruments would reduce external financing risks and improve its monetary flexibility. International ratings agencies Fitch Ratings and Moody's have also assigned investment-grade ratings to Latvia.

Bank of Latvia: Manufacturing in March grows despite worries, yet confidence worsens By Igors Kasjanovs, Bank of Latvia economist, published on the website Macroeconomics.lv The manufacturing dynamic in the last eight months has been like a predictable pendulum: one month, its production output grows and the next one it drops. March 2012 saw this trend continue with a 4.3% month-on-month growth according to the Central Statistical Bureau data (seasonally adjusted data at constant prices). The growth in March was determined by the growth in the production output of wood pulp and its products (+5.6%), metals (+28.1%) and other transport vehicles (+80.1%), which probably reflects the successful performance of shipbuilding. Owing to the rapid growth in January and March, the production output in the first quarter of 2012 thus increased by 3.5% quarter-on-quarter. In the first quarter of 2012 overall, the manufacturing output volumes have increased quarter-on-quarter, in the production of wearing apparel (+4.6%), wood pulp and its products (+2.0%), pharmaceuticals (+2.5%), metals (+27.5%), fabricated metal products (+10.8%), computers and electronic equipment (+9.1%) as well as other transport vehicles

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(+27.5%). Production volumes have meanwhile dropped in the manufacturing of food products (-0.9%), textiles (-1.9%), chemicals, and electrical equipment (-12.4%). It is interesting to compare the dynamic of the real manufactured production with that of its sales (in actual prices). The manufacturing production sales data currently cover only the first two months. These data, just as those on the manufactured production volumes point to contrasting trends in the first two months of the year – the manufacturing sales volumes in January grew 8.7% month-on-month, seasonal factors excluded, whereas in February they dropped 5.7%. These fluctuations were the result of the export sales of manufacturing production – a 14.2% growth in January and an 8.4% drop in February. Yet, looking at sub-branches, the situation has varied over time: thus the sales data, if compared to the average month in 2010, exceed substantially the data on production volumes, which point to a rise in the sales prices. In many other sub-branches (wood- processing, chemical production, construction materials production) the situation is similar: the production volumes have grown slower than sales, primarily determined by an increase in export sales volumes. In some of the branches, however, (production of wearing apparel, fabricated metal products, pharmaceuticals) the situation is opposite – in these branches, the growth in the production volumes is more rapid than that in sales, which points to a possible utilization of competition in pricing. Link to full text: http://www.macroeconomics.lv/manufacturing-march-grows-despite- worries-yet-confidence-worsens

Shipping of NATO's nonlethal cargo to Afghanistan via Riga benefits Latvian economy – PM Baltic News Service RIGA, May 03, BNS - Shipping of NATO's nonlethal cargo to Afghanistan via Riga provides significant benefits to the Latvian economy, Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis said at the international airport of Riga where he had arrived on Thursday to inspect an aircraft that is ensuring the cargo deliveries as of April 1, 2012. "Latvia is the main partner of the Northern Distribution Network as nonlethal cargos are delivered to Afghanistan by land and air from Riga. Preparations are under way to ensure cargo deliveries in the opposite direction, from Afghanistan to their countries of origin, as NATO member states are planning to scale down their presence in Afghanistan. Handling these cargo deliveries provides a significant contribution to the Latvian economy, as well as an opportunity for Latvia to provide its input in reaching NATO's common goals," Dombrovskis said. The cargo deliveries to Afghanistan though Riga was one of the subjects the Latvian prime minister discussed with US officials during his visit to the US last summer. Regular cargo deliveries from Riga airport to Afghanistan were launched in April this year. Fully-owned by the Latvian state, Riga International Airport is the largest air traffic hub in the Baltic states. In 2011, the airport served 5.107 million passengers at a 9.5 percent growth from 2010 while the number of aircraft served at the airport increased 7 percent to 72,855 and the amount of cargos rose 3 percent year-on- year to 12,665 tons.

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Latvia's GDP might have grown 5.6-7 pct in Q1 - analysts Baltic News Service RIGA, May 08, BNS - Latvia's gross domestic product (GDP) might have risen by 5.6-7 percent in the first quarter of this year as compared to the respective period in 2011, said banking analysts. Andris Strazds, the senior economist of the Latvian branch of Nordea Bank , told BNS that as compared to the previous quarter, according to seasonally adjusted data, economic growth might have risen by 1 percnet, but the annual growth might have been about 5.6-5.8 percent. "During the year, the most important sectors ensuring growth in economy in general still are manufacturing, trade, transport and logistics. The quarterly growth has been mainly ensured by growth of demand in the local market, as suggested by the good retail sales data," said Strazds. Swedbank senior economist Dainis Stikuts told BNS that in the first quarter of this year Latvia's GDO might have risen by 0.8-1 percent from the previous quarter and 5.8 percent from the first quarter of last year. He said that GDP growth as compared to the fourth quarter of 2011 has been influenced by rapid development of several sectors, for example, industrial output, retail sales. Consumers and business confidence has also been stable, employment kept rising, and revenues from taxes were growing. "However, the growth might slow down in the coming quarters as the economic activity in Europe is weak," he said. SEB Banka macroeconomic expert Dainis Gaspuitis told BNS that economic growth continued in the first quarter of 2012. "The weak results in the first quarter of last year will allow for a significant annual rise in the respective period this year. The fact that growth has been curbed outside Latvia, has not yet interfered with Latvia's GDP growth, and it is positive news," he said. Gaspuitis said that manufacturing and trade has shown very positive results. The growing tourist flows have ensured development of the services sector, construction is developing, there had been activity in the ports and other transit sectors. "Thus, in the first quarter of this year GDP might have risn 1.3 percent quarter-on- quarter and 6.4 percent year-on-year," he said. DNB Banka macroeconomics expert Peteris Strautins told BNS that the currently available information suggests that Latvia's GDP growth in the first quarter of this year might have exceeded 7 percent year-on-year, and 2 percent quarter-on- quarter. "Thus, this has been the most successful period in the current growth cycle," he said. Strautins said that he has been analyzing and commenting on Latvia's economic developments for a long time, but he does not remember any other time when such pleasant surprises would have followed one another in such close steps. "This is a unique period in our economic history because the rapid economic growth is not followed by concerns about growing imbalances as it had been during the earlier growth of welfare. Besides, this is happening on the background of rather

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unfavorable global developments. It suggests the the economic growth will slow down after the bright performance of the first quarter," said Strautins. He said that DNB Banka has revised its 2012 forecast for GDP growth from 3 percent to 3.5 percent. "Such forecast also includes rapid slowdown in the coming quarters," he said. The national statistics office is to release its flash estimate on GDP growth in the first quarter of 2012 on May 10. Latvia's GDP in 2011 rose 5.5 percent from 2010. In the fourth quarter of 2011 Latvia's GDP grew 5.7 percent year-on-year.

Latvian industrial output exceeds pre-crisis record - analysts Baltic News Service RIGA, May 07, BNS - Industrial output in March has exceeded the pre-crisis record, said banking analysts surveyed by BNS, commenting on the latest industrial output data. SEB Banka macroeconomic expert Dainis Gaspuitis told BNS that in March 2012 industrial output has been holding against the leading winds and had managed to uphold good growth, showing that Latvia is able to take chances. He said that industrial output has risen by 8.5 percent from March 2011, including by 15.4 percent in manufacturing, while electricity and natural gas supply saw a 10.2 percent reduction. The biggest growth was in ship and boat building, and production of metal. "The high performance in ship building is based on the orders of the Scandinavian fishing sector. In the future, there will be orders from the Ukrainian oil platform tender to be fulfilled," said Gaspuitis. "Industrial output growth is in contrast to the uncertainty and recession in the eurozone countries. Nevertheless, there are also different trends recorded. Despite large growth in different sectors, food and clothing sectors show a reduction in output. The first-quarter data allows us to positively assess further perspectives and forecast further development, giving hopes for more successful employment. These data, however, should be assessed in close context with further development of export... The situation in the Latvian market keeps fluctuating and still remains quite uncertain, making us draw moderate development scenarios," he said. Swedbank senior economist Lija Strasuna told BNS that in March 2012 industrial output demonstrated strong results. "In March the industrial output exceeded the pre-crisis record -- February 2008," she said. At the same time Strasune underscored that the strong results in March were driven by just some sectors. "Industrial output keeps promoting export and economic growth. The second quarter of this year might be slightly weaker, including under the influence of the uncertainty ruling in Europe," she said. DNB Banka's macroeconomic expert Peteris Strautins told BNS that news on industrial output growth in March just strengthens the confidence that Latvia's economy keeps growing. 7

He said that industrial output growth has been formed of contrasts. "Manufacturing in March has risen more than industrial output in general, due to the reduction in the energy sector because of the warm winter," he said. He also said that food industry, unfortunately, has been developing very slowly. "Data suggest that the food industry is good in exports, but they are losing their market share in Latvia," he said, adding that food producers are attempting to describe the picture as bad as possible in hope for the decision on reduced value added tax (VAT) rate, but they forget that they have to create new products. He said that lower VAT rate is hardly believable, and producers would not gain anything from that. "They have to take chances and create new products that consumers need. The agricultural and food processing sectors could learn from the forestry sector how to work as a chain, form optimistic strategy and positive image," said Strautins. In the first quarter of 2012, industrial output in Latvia grew 8.3 percent from the same period last year in constant prices, according to the calendar-adjusted data, the national statistics office reported. The manufacturing industry increased output by 14.8 percent year-on-year, in mining and quarrying output grew by 21 percent and in electric power and gas supply output dropped 5.8 percent.

Foreign Affairs Latvian ministers note role of Russia, Central Asia in development of transit route, Afghanistan during intl workshop in Riga Baltic News Service RIGA, May 08, BNS - Speaking at the opening of an international workshop about the Northern Distribution Network (NDN) to Afghanistan, Latvian foreign, transport and defense ministers noted the role of Russia and Central Asia in development of the transit route and Afghanistan. Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics said that Latvia had been an active part of the international community and was willing to continue its presence in Afghanistan as long as necessary. He said that NDN was not only useful for delivering supplies to the allied troops in Afghanistan but also helped to maintain good relations with Central Asia and Russia. Rinkevics voiced hope that in future NDN will become a trade route linking Europe with Central Asia and the Far East. Latvia is willing to cooperate with those countries towards development of NDN and Afghanistan, he said. Latvian Transport Minister Aivis Ronis said that NDN had become an international transit route which was safe and effective. NDN has helped the governments of the countries involved to cooperate more effectively, he said, mentioning Latvian- Russian cooperation in particular. There have always been trade ties between the two countries, but „now we are cooperating under the umbrella of NATO and the UN, and this is a proof that the world has changed and we can work together,” the Latvian transport minister said. Latvian Defense Minister Artis Pabriks also underlined the role of the Central Asian countries in development of Afghanistan and cooperation with NATO, saying that it

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was very hard to imagine development of Afghanistan without cooperation with the Central Asia countries and Uzbekistan. He said that security and development of the region was in Russia’s interests and the transit route had showed that „our cooperation works very well”. Since 2009, NDN has been used for transportation of non-lethal cargos of the US and other allies to Afghanistan. The workshop in Riga has brought together experts from Latvia, Russia, the US, NATO member states, Central Asia and other countries to discuss the possibilities for transforming NDN from a network for transportation of non-lethal military supplies into a commercial transportation route as one of the elements for supporting economic growth and cooperation in Afghanistan and other countries of the region.

Latvian PM to participate in annual Lennart Meri conference in Tallinn Baltic News Service RIGA, May 05, BNS - Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis on Friday next week will take part in the annual Lennart Meri conference "The Future of Democratic Capitalism" that will be held in Tallinn, reported the State Chancery's spokesman Gatis Taurins. Dombrovskis will speak at the panel discussion on topicalities of the euro zone and Latvia's plans to join the eurozone in 2014. The Latvian prime minister will return to Latvia on Saturday, May 12.

Top-level meeting of PMs to be held in Latvia in early 2013 Baltic News Service RIGA, May 03, BNS - The Northern Future Forum with participation of the British, Baltic and Nordic prime ministers will be held in Latvia early next year, reported the Latvian Foreign Ministry's press service. The Northern Future Forum is a top-level meeting of prime ministers, discussing issues topical for the region. So far there had been discussions on the experience of the UK, , , , Latvia, , , Finland and Sweden in the sectors of green economy, sustainable business, technologies and innovation, employment, family and gender equality. The first forum was held in London, January 2011, at the initiative of the British government, and the second forum was held in , February 2012. At the proposal of Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis, the next forum will be held in Latvia in early 2013. The Latvian embassy in the UK Wednesday held a reception in honor of the forum with participation of the British ambassadors to the Baltic and Nordic countries and the Baltic and Nordic ambassadors to the UK. The reception was also attended by the British European Affairs Minister David Lidington. Latvian Ambassador to the UK Eduards Stiprais, addressing the reception guests, said that Latvia is impatiently waiting for a possibility to develop and deepend exchange of experience among the Baltic states, the Nordic countries and the UK on the most important issues of development of contemporary society.

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Lidington thanked the Latvian embassy for the initiative in organizing the event and underscored the special role of the Baltic, Nordic and British cooperation in the face of the European and international challenges. The minister said that the two earlier summits showed that the countries are able to share their experience in promoting economic development and solving issues topical for the region. The minister reminded that not onbly the Northern Future Forum at the level of prime ministers, but also visits of the British ministers to the region prove the close cooperation among the countries.

Latvian PM to attend conference on fiscal policy models in Sweden RIGA, May 03, BNS - Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis is due to visit Sweden from this Saturday to next Monday to attend an international conference on fiscal policy models implemented by various countries, BNS was told at the prime minister's office. Participants of the conference will also discuss the analysis of past experience and issues concerning medium-term budget programming. Dombrovskis is also planning to speak at the conference to share Latvia's experience in implementing fiscal discipline. He also intends to meet with officials of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Sweden, as well as other high-level European financial experts. During his stay in Stockholm, the Latvian prime minister will take part in a reception the Latvian embassy is giving to the Latvian national ice hockey team.

Foreign Minister and EU Special Representative discuss Central Asian region’s issues On 8 May, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkēvičs met with the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia Pierre Morel. The matters discussed were related to the Northern Distribution Network (NDN) and the Central Asian region, as well as the Strategy of the European Union for, and its dialogue with Central Asia. Special Representative Morel shared his long experience of working with the region and its countries. Mr Morel noted that the international workshop on the transformation of the NDN into a commercially viable trading route and the project’s potential impact on the development and future of Afghanistan had been arranged at the right time. A number of international conferences on Central Asia and Afghanistan have recently taken place, including on border management and fighting drug crime. Special Representative Morel indicated that for a further development of the NDN, particular attention should be paid to streamlining customs procedures on the borders of the Central Asian countries that now take 60% of goods delivery time and 64% of shipment costs. The parties also discussed the EU-Central Asian relations. Minister Rinkēvičs noted that it was important to ensure the presence of the EU delegations in all the countries of the region. Currently Turkmenistan is the only country which does not have an EU delegation. Pierre Morel believes that it is vital to allocate more funding both for EU programmes in Central Asia and for bilateral projects with 10

member states. The parties were of the same mind that Central Asia has a huge cooperation potential, although its business environment is complicated, with weak protection of investments. Foreign Minister Rinkēvičs emphasised that it was necessary to promote a political dialogue with Central Asian countries, as well as dynamising economic relations, and pledged Latvia’s readiness to continue actively working with the region, both politically and economically.

Foreign Ministry State Secretary meets US Department of State official in charge of Central Asia affairs On 7 May, State Secretary Andris Teikmanis met with Susan Elliott, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central Asia at the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs. During the meeting, the parties discussed the cooperation between Latvia and the United States in relation to the route of the U.S. non-military cargo deliveries from Latvia to Afghanistan and eventually adapting the road to the needs of commercial transport. In particular, it was noted that the development of transport and logistics sector was important for the economic revival of the Central Asian region as a whole, for job creation and social stability. The parties agreed that Central Asian countries should be involved in the long term stabilisation of the situation in Afghanistan, which would be vital after the removal of the allied troops from the country in 2014. The U.S. side commended Latvia’s leading role in the functioning and further development of the Northern Distribution Network (NDN). Deputy Assistant Secretary Elliott is leading the U.S. delegation to Riga, to take part in the international workshop on the transformation of the NDN into a viable commercial route and its impact on Afghanistan’s future. During the visit, Deputy Assistant Secretary also meets with high-ranking officials at the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Defence and the Saeima, as well as with international affairs experts from the non-governmental sector.

Foreign Ministries of Latvia and Turkey hold political consultations On 3 May Riga saw the visit by Deputy Undersecretary for European Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Hasan Mehmet Göğüş. As part of the visit, Mr Göğüş met with the Foreign Ministry State Secretary AndrisTeikmanis and held political consultations with Undersecretary of State, Political Director Andris Razāns. During the meeting with Mr Teikmanis, bilateral issues were discussed, including economic cooperation. The parties expressed satisfaction about close and friendly relations between both countries as well as the rapid increase of trade volumes (from EUR 44 million in 2008 to EUR 154,9 million in 2011) over recent years. The counterparts also shared the opinion that a further strengthening of economic cooperation showed great potential. The topics of consultations with Political Director Razāns were the relations between Turkey and the European Union, the developments in Western Balkans and South Caucasus, as well as the situation in North Africa and the Middle East, 11

with a special focus on the course of events in Syria and Iran and the election process in Egypt. Latvia and Turkey enjoy constructive and many-sided relations that demonstrate positive dynamics. Latvia and Turkey have common points of interest in European security and stability. The cooperation between both countries within NATO develops successfully. Latvia supports Turkey’s European Union perspective.

Society European Union Garden Festival offers diverse activities for visitors of all generations Saturday, 12 May, at Vērmanes Garden in Riga, will see the central event of the Europe Week, the European Union Garden Festival. This year’s festival will be dedicated to the European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity Between Generations, and its motto is “Let us be active through generations! Join in!” The EU Garden Festival will start at 12:00 with a musical procession and the festive opening of themed tents in Vērmanes Garden. Ten themed tents, European Union House, Active Europe, Productive Europe, Creative Europe, Youth in Movement, Prosperous Europe, Digital Europe, Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Green Europe, Rīga 2014, will be working all through the day, till 6 pm. A free stage is to host performers of various generations. Besides, artists from Latvia, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Poland and Sweden will take to the open air stage of Vērmanes Garden. Ten themed tents will provide diverse entertainment and informational activities for every participant. The European Union House, for instance, will take care of the youngest visitors and offer a creative workshop, a children's corner and a moving pictures' programme, while information consultants will tell everything about the opportunities opened by Latvia's EU membership. In the Active Europe tent, the youngest visitors will make acquaintance with Bruno the Beaver and Rūdis the Cat from the State Police and meet the little fire-fighter elephant Baltiņš and his crew. The Productive Europe tent will invite Rigans and visitors to the city to find out more about entrepreneurship and take art in various exciting games, for instance, "Time to do Business", and live the part of a company manager, or test one's knowledge about Latvia by doing a jigsaw puzzle, "Do You Know Latvia?". In the Creative Europe tent anyone can try their hand in minting coins with the help from a master blacksmith, but the youngest participants will be able to watch and learn how to make dolls. In the Youth in Movement tent, one will find in-depth information about studies abroad within the framework of the Erasmus programme, as well as youth volunteer work and youth centres. The Prosperous Europe tent will provide a unique opportunity to put on a costume that makes one feel 70 years old.

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Everyone is welcome to bring along one's computer and 'heal' it in the Digital Europe tent or to apply free of charge for an electronic signature. The Green Europe tent offers to find out more about 'green economy' and view an exhibit of cartoons, "Eye to Eye with Climate". Rīga 2014 tent presents Riga as the capital of culture, introducing visitors to Riga's creative neighbourhoods and offering various artists’ performances. By taking part in the cycling competition organised by the Danish EU Presidency tent, the participants will have an opportunity to win a bicycle. About EU Garden Festival in Latvia The EU Garden Festival in Latvia has developed into an annual event when thousands of Rigans and visitors to the city gather at Vērmanes Garden for an active and positive day together, celebrating Europe Day. The festival is organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in association with the European Commission Representation in Latvia, the European Parliament Information Office, the Riga City Council and the embassies of the European Union Member States in Riga. The event is financed under the Management Partnership concluded between the European Commission and the Government of Latvia. Its aim is to raise awareness among general public about the European Union.

PM pays visit to shoot of Chan’s new movie in central Latvia, meets world- famous film star Baltic News Service RIGA, May 03, BNS - Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis on Thursday met with the world-famous Hong Kong action film star, Jackie Chan, in the Jelgava town in central Latvia where Chan is shooting some scenes for his latest movie. Dombrovskis gave Chan the Lacplesis hat. Lacplesis (Bear-slayer) is a Latvian mythical hero, who has ears of a bear which is the source of his superhuman strength. "I passed to Jackie Chan greetings from legendary Lacplesis and invited him to return here to make a sequel to his movie,” the Latvian prime minister wrote on his Twitter blog. He had also enclosed a picture of Chan wearing his new hat. The wind tunnel in Jelgava has become a filming location for some scenes for Chan’s latest movie, China Hero. Previously there were press reports that Chan had visited the Latvian pavilion during the Expo 2010 in Shanghai featuring a wind tunnel by the Latvian company Aerodium, and it had been suggested that he might include some wind tunnel acrobatic stunts in his future movies.

LNSO season closing concert on 11th May On 11th May, the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra (LNSO) is closing the 2011/2012 season with an outstanding performance of works of various composers. Conducting will be LNSO chief conductor Karel Mark Chichon. Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet is one of the most tragic and emotional pieces of music ever written and who better to bring it to life than Karel Mark Chichon,

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whose interpretations of the Russian classics have become unforgettable events in Riga for many years. Chichon will be joined by the internationally renowned violinist Guy Braunstein, 1st concertmaster of the Berliner Philharmoniker, who makes his debut in Riga with Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto. On the programme are Ludwig van Beethoven's Egmont Overture, Op. 84, Felix Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64, and Sergei Prokofiev's Excerpts from Romeo and Juliet Suite. As all tickets to LNSO season closing concert are sold out, those who are interested are welcome to attend the General rehearsal of the concert on 11th May at 10am in Riga's Great Guild. Links: http://www.lnso.lv/ http://www.bilesuparadize.lv/

Riga 2014 - European Capital of Culture: travelling exhibition opens in Rome A travelling exhibition about Riga as the 2014 European Capital of Culture has been opened at the Museum of the Roman Civilisation in Rome. Supported by the foundation Riga 2014 and the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the exhibition showcases the bicycle exhibition 'Riga 24h' by young Latvian designers and the photo exhibition 'Riga from above' featuring photos of Juris Kalniņš selected by architect Juris Dripe. The exhibition was unveiled in Rome on 8th May as Italy, Latvia and Luxembourg will be EU troika designing a common programme for 2014 and 2015. Moreover, Latvia and Italy are interested in co-operating in the fields of art, education and creative industries within the Riga 2014 programme. Riga as the 2014 European Capital of Culture will host loads of events throughout the year. The programme features the 8th World Choir Games, the European Film Award ceremony, the exhibition 'Book 1514-2014' and a conference, the concert series 'Born in Riga', the 'Survival Kit' Festival, and much more. Link: http://www.riga2014.org/

Curtain up for new "Lucia di Lammermoor" May 24th is opening night for the new production of "Lucia di Lammermoor" at the National Opera, starring the acclaimed Marina Rebeka. The innovative Andrejs Žagars has chosen to transfer the Walter Scott-penned drama to the 20th century - Mussollini's 1930s Italy. Gaetano Donizetti's spine-tingling arias composed for Lucia are a challenge for any soprano, and certainly the now world-renowned Rebeka is up to it. A number of performances in the run will be sung by Sonora Vaice and Olga Pudova. The conductor is Christof Stiller, the scenic designer - Andris Freibergs, costume designer - Kristīne Pasternaka. At this time, performances are scheduled also May 26, June 9, June 16 and August 16. Link: http://www.opera.lv/en/

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Articles of Interest

The Guardian: Mariss Jansons: 'The notes are just signs. You have to go behind them' http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/may/04/mariss-jansons-interview- fiona-maddocks?INTCMP=SRCH

Baltic Review: Latvia’s Rebirth Day http://baltic-review.com/2012/05/latvias-rebirth-day/

THE LATVIAN INSTITUTE The Latvian Institute promotes knowledge about Latvia abroad. It produces informative materials and works closely with international media professionals in developing a wide variety of communications projects. Contacts: Pils iela 21 Rīga, LV – 1050, LATVIA Phone: (+371) 67503663 Fax: (+371) 67503669 E-mail: [email protected] www: www.li.lv Twitter: www.twitter.com/LatvianInstitute

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