Russia, Latvia sign Memorandum on Migration

Russia and Latvia signed a "Memorandum on Mutual Understanding in the sphere of Migration Regulation" in Riga on Monday. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, head of the Federal Migration Service Andrei Chernenko who is currently in Latvia on a working visit, signed the document with Latvian Interior Ministry State Secretary Andris Staris.

The document states that the sides are ready to "expand co-operation on issues of illegal migration, border crime that is connected with it, and the reception of persons from third countries seeking asylum." The Memorandum, in particular, stipulates that illegal migrants should be returned home without delay.

The document also states that the signatories will set up a permanent working group made up of members of the two countries' migration services to fight the illegal transit of people.