17/07/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday, new Latvian President Valdis Zatlers had an exchange of views with the President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso in Brussels. The Commission welcomed the fact that Latvia had ratified the border agreement with Russia, Mr Barroso told press after the meeting. “It is a step towards normalisation of the country's relations with Russia,” which, Mr Barroso said, “remains one of the European Union's most important partners”. The Latvian President laid great stress on the solidarity of EU member states and the need for the EU to have a common and united foreign policy with regard to Russia. (hb)