President of Latvia Egils Levits met with H. E. Mr Alar Karis, President of Estonia, in Tartu (Estonia) on 5 November. Meeting focused on close friendship between both countries and future cooperation in the field of security, trade and higher education.
President of Latvia thanked his new Estonian counterpart for the meeting and stressed: ‘Latvia and Estonia are excellent friends, neighbours and allies.’
Egils Levits noted on 2021 being an important landmark year for both neighbourly nations. This year Latvia and Estonia celebrate 100 years since their international recognition and establishment of diplomatic relations.
President Levits underlined that academic cooperation between both countries has a long history. Many founders of the Latvian State studied in Tartu University and this university is still very important for charting the future cooperation between Latvia and Estonia in the field of higher education.
Presidents discussed future cooperation between both countries and Egils Levits mentioned the significance of Estonian-Latvian future cooperation report, which is currently being elaborated by the foreign ministries of both countries: ‘We are highly satisfied with trade cooperation with our neighbour and second largest trade partner. We attach high expectations to cooperation in the field of transport and infrastructure, digitalisation, research and innovations, tourism. Cooperation within the Rail Baltica project is also important. We are on the right track towards successful implementation of this project.’
Latvia and Estonia have similar vision regarding the key regional and international processes, underlined President of Latvia. Both countries are interested in strengthening security, prosperity and growth of the Baltic region. ‘Baltic countries share close cooperation. It is symbolic and invaluable. This is a landmark year for us as we celebrate 30 years since renewal of independence of Latvia and Estonia,’ Egils Levits pointed out.
It was underlined during the meeting that Latvia highly appreciates the active and successful efforts of Estonia in the UN Security Council. President Levits mentioned Latvia’s candidacy for UN Security Council seat in 2025. Latvia would greatly appreciate Estonia’s experience as it prepares for the 2025 elections. Both heads of state underlined shared interests in achieving global climate goals.
Energy cooperation was another issue discussed during the meeting. President of Latvia underlined the importance of shared understanding and constructive approach for implementation of joint energy infrastructure projects: ‘We have successfully launched a joint off-shore wind park project ELWIND. Baltic countries believe that joint decisions are important for ensuring regional and national energy security.’
On the strengthening of Europe, Egils Levits specifically underlined the potential of both countries to contribute to digital transformation and greening of the economy. The Three Seas Initiative (3SI) is a strategically and geopolitically important cooperation platform. ‘Active cooperation between 3SI and like-minded partners is crucial for successful summit in 2022. Latvia has started preparations for 2022 Riga Summit, which will focus on sustainability, reliable and inclusive connectivity. Participation of 3SI partners (top officials from USA, Germany and European Commission) is crucial for 2022 Riga Summit. It is also important to achieve participation of all 3SI countries and private investors in 3SI Investment Fund,’ President Levits said.
President of Latvia also visited the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) during his today’s visit to Tartu. As Egils Levits underlined to Alar Karis, Estonia and Latvia share close partnership in the field of security and defence, which is highly significant for higher regional and national security of the Baltics.
