In 2007, Malta and Latvia will activate an agreement implementing the exchange of diplomats for several months in both countries, Foreign Affairs Minister Michael Frendo said yesterday.

Dr Frendo was addressing a joint press conference with the Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Artis Pabriks.

During the first half of 2007, a Latvian diplomat will spend a number of months in the Maltese diplomatic service and familiarise herself or himself with Maltese issues, explained Dr Frendo.

A Maltese diplomat will participate in the exchange programme during the second half of 2007 and work in the Latvian Foreign Ministry, he added.

Dr Frendo said that it was important for Foreign Affairs ministers to meet regularly.

“We have discussed issues of interest and importance to both countries,” said Dr Frendo. “Both Malta and Latvia are border states of the EU.

The discussions also focused on Malta’s problem of irregular immigration and Frontex patrol, said Dr Frendo.

“Both Latvia and Malta are working to facilitate the visa requirements for certain countries, like the US for example,” said Dr Frendo.

While Maltese nationals have to apply for a visa to visit the US and Brazil, other EU nationals do not, he added.

Mr Pabriks explained that Latvian nationals have to apply for a visa when travelling to the US, Brazil, Australia and Canada.