New beginnings agreed between Russia and Latvia. On Monday, December 20, the highest representation of the two countries’ governments held a significant meeting in Moscow, Russia, during which both parties put aside the past to focus on their future cooperation. Present were Russian and Latvian Presidents Dmitry Medvedev and Valdis Zatlers, respectively, as well as numerous Cabinet ministers on both sides. Their talks, which were intended to restore mutual trust, concluded with the signing of nine memoranda that pledged cooperation in fields that included social welfare, crime prevention, tourism, environmental protection, and the easing of travel for border region residents.

Our respectful congratulations, Your Excellencies, on your cordial and productive meeting. May your nations’ blossoming friendship bring abundant fulfillment and shared prosperity to all Russian and Latvian people.

http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=15799423&PageNum=0, http://rt.com/politics/medvedev-zatlers-rmeeting-moscow/, http://en.rian.ru/russia/20101220/161857249.html