Press release

On Thursday, February 28, Jānis Bordāns, the Minister of Justice, during the introductory visit met with Yasuhiro Kawaguchi, the Ambassador of Japan.

During the discussion the Minister of Justice appreciated the support of Japan provided to Latvia during the process of joining the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and cooperation within the framework of international organizations.

Both parties discussed the governmental priorities, in particular in the area of justice. The Action plan for provision of fulfilment of recommendations made by Moneyval is a top priority. The Minister of Justice admitted that increase of efficiency of supervisory and control authorities - the ability thereof to detect and investigate corruptive and money laundering schemes - is as much important task as the improvement of the legal framework.

Both parties shared the same opinion on how important it is to strengthen supervisory authorities, management thereof, to improve knowledge and competence of employees and to introduce modern technologies into their work.

J.Bordāns emphasized, in particular, that provision of the rule of law is a pre-condition for safe entrepreneurial environment and economical growth. In general it serves as a ground for national welfare.

The Ambassador appreciated adoption of the Whistle-Blowing Law. Currently the legal protection of whistle-blowers is a topical issue also on the European Union level. The Law will come into force in Latvia and implementation thereof will be commenced already on 1 May.