Queen's Baltic tour

Oct 16, 2006, 14:34 GMT

Britain's Queen Elizabeth starts her tour of the Baltic States today (16.10.06).

The monarch will be accompanied by her husband, Prince Philip, for the four-day trip to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

This is the first time the queen has travelled to the former Soviet republics, which became a part of the European Union in 2004.

The visit is intended to demonstrate the British Government's support for the Baltic Sates and the queen is set to meet with the presidents of all three countries.

The royal couple will start their visit in Lithuania's capital, Vilnius, before travelling to Riga in Latvia and ending their tour in the Estonian capital of Tallin.

The leaders of the Baltic States have warmly welcomed the royal tour.

Atis Lejins, the head of Latvian Foreign Policy Institute said: "This visit is a compliment to the Baltics. The UK wants to strengthen its links with the region."

During the trip, the queen is also scheduled to meet with Baltic troops involved in missions in Afghanistan and Iraq - a move that has been received as Britain's recognition of the military support offered by the three countries.

Atis Lejins added: "This is a public demonstration of the links we have. It's a show of solidarity and support."

It is rare for the 80-year-old monarch to visit countries she has never been to before at such an advanced age.

During the time of her rule, Elizabeth has made 256 official overseas visits in 129 countries.

(C) BANG Media International