When meeting with H.E. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan Mr Badriddin Abidov, the President of Latvia welcomed the active bilateral political and economic cooperation between the two countries and active parliamentary collaboration in particular. Uzbekistan is Latvia’s largest trading partner in Central Asia currently and the potential of bilateral trade is not exhausted yet. The President of Latvia noted that continuing to build contacts in the transport sector was important, developing transport infrastructure and logistics solutions for the transportation of Uzbek goods especially, as well as direct flight connecting Tashkent and Riga. The parties expressed their support for more active work of the European Union (EU) both about the EU Strategy for Central Asia and for the conclusion of the new EU-Uzbekistan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.
During the conversation with H.E. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Austria Ms Stella Avallone, the President of Latvia noted that Latvia was interested in activating a bilateral dialogue with Austria at all levels, especially on EU issues. Stable trade turnover and the investments of Austrian companies in the manufacturing sector proved that Latvia was a reliable trading partner. The President of Latvia expressed his support for the commenced cooperation in bioeconomy, biomedicine, smart materials, smart energy, and ICT. In the context of the Austrian Presidency of the EU Council, Raimonds Vējonis noted that Latvia supported Austria’s priorities in the EU, in particular as regards the strengthening external border of the EU and the promotion of stability in neighbouring regions of the EU.
During the conversation with H.E. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey Mrs Gülsun Erkul, the President of Latvia welcomed the increase in total trade between the two countries. This shows the stable development of economic relations, especially in transport, logistics, and ICT. Latvia and Turkey share a joint fight against terrorism and the curtailment of illegal migration. Therefore, Latvia supports the agreement reached by the EU and Turkey in dealing with the migration crisis, and Latvia believes that it is an excellent example of cooperation in solving international challenges. Latvia also appreciates the significant contribution of Turkey to host a substantial number, about 3 million, refugees in their own country. During the meeting, the President of Latvia reiterated Latvia’s support for the negotiation process of Turkey’s accession to the EU.
In his turn, during the meeting with H.E. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Mr Govert Jan Cornelis Bijl de Vroe, the President of Latvia extended gratitude for the contribution of the Netherlands to strengthening the security of the Baltic States, participation in the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP), repeated participation in the NATO Baltic Air Policing operation, and support for the operation of NATO StratCom Centre of Excellence in Riga. The President of Latvia welcomed the current co-operation between the countries with particular reference to good cooperation in transit and logistics. He expressed his interest in the further development of bilateral economic relations. Raimonds Vējonis also emphasised close cooperation in culture and education by strengthening contacts between the residents, students, and representatives of the cultural sector. The parties are convinced that the recent visit of HM King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands will give a strong impetus to further deepening the bilateral relations and cooperation within the EU and NATO.
