(photo: Embassy of Latvia) On October 9, 2008 in Washington, DC Latvia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins met with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at the State Department. During the meeting transatlantic cooperation regarding international and security policy issues was discussed, as well as bilateral cooperation between Latvia and the US, including Latvia’s accession to the Visa-Waiver Program. Both sides discussed the conflict in Georgia and international involvement in the resolution of this conflict. Minister Riekstins emphasized a united position not only with the European Union member countries, but also with the United States regarding relations with the Russian Federation. Support for the accession of Ukraine and Georgia into NATO was discussed. The officials also discussed Latvia’s participation in Afghanistan, as well as support for Belarus in its dialogue with international partners. During his visit to Washington, Minister Riekstins has meetings scheduled at the National Security Council; with representatives from the Republican and Democatic presidential campaigns’ and meetings with other non-governmental organizations and foreign policy experts. For additional information on the Foreign Minister's visit to Washington, DC, please see the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.