During his second day visit to the Republic of Latvia, President Edward Fenech Adami met the Mayor of Riga City Council, Aivars Aksenoks, and was introduced to the counsellors.

At the City Council, President Fenech Adami remarked about the similarities that exist between the two countries: both having their own particular identity, history of resistance, courage and great insistence in achieving goals.

The President said that the existing joint programmes of exchange between the city of Riga and the city of Valletta are a positive way of actively placing the two municipalities in the international fora.

Later in the morning, Dr Fenech Adami visited the Baltic Container Terminal (BCT) and unveiled a commemorative plaque on the occasion of its 10th anniversary since the formation of the new company.

The Baltic Container Terminal Limited is a privately-owned container terminal operating within the Freeport Area of Riga Commercial Port by Hili Company Limited. Mr Marin Hili is Chairman of the Board of BCT.

President Fenech Adami said that it was indeed a pleasure for him to visit the company and remarked about Mr Hili's experience in the maritime sector, that was also vital in the development of the container terminal in Malta. While auguring further success to the company, the President expressed his hope for an increase in reciprocal investment.

The President's programme included visits of cultural interest in the Old City of Riga. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami also visited the medieval and picturesque town of Sigulda and Turaida Castle.

In a separate programme, Mrs Fenech Adami visited the preparatory school of Ziepniekkalns that also hosts children with disabilities.

Yesterday evening, Dr Fenech Adami and Mrs Fenech Adami will be hosting a reception in honour of the President of Latvia, Vaira-Vike Freiberga and Prof. Imants Freibergs.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami are expected to return to Malta early this morning.