Published: 16:18 17.09.2011.

RIGA, Sept 17 (LETA) – In order for Russia modernize, this country’s government and people must embrace Western traditions, Latvian Foreign Ministry State Secretary Andris Teikmanis said today during the annual high level foreign policy and security policy forum ”Riga Conference 2011”.

Teikmanis said that Russia’s modernization is necessary, because this would help the country’s economic development, as well as solve other issues. He added that this must take place on all levels in Russia – geographically, as well as politically.
The Latvian state secretary also pointed out that Russia has taken various different paths previously – nationalization, industrialization etc., but the main questions remains – what to do now, and who will do this?

However, the path Russia will take in its modernization and development is dependent on the government and public’s attitude, as well as motivation to do something.
Teikmanis, who previously served as Latvia’s ambassador to Russia, also added that he is confident that Russia is ready to live like the West.

Edīte Arāja LETA
17.09.2011