“Latvia calls on Azerbaijan to use the cooperation opportunities ensured by the EU Eastern Partnership and welcomes the progress in the relations between the European Union and Azerbaijan. The launch of negotiations on the EU- Azerbaijan Comprehensive Agreement is an important step towards a new level of enhanced cooperation between the two stakeholders,” said Raimonds Vējonis.
The President of Latvia also said that developing close cooperation with Azerbaijan in the energy sector was essential for the European Union. Strategic cooperation on energy security and supply diversification were beneficial to both parties. At present, the development of the Southern Gas Corridor was prioritised.
During the meeting, both Presidents agreed that its cooperation between the parliaments of both countries, as well as among ministries, state authorities, and municipalities should be facilitated.
Raimonds Vējonis also stressed that Azerbaijan was an important partner in global security issues. “The contribution of Azerbaijan to the NATO-led operations in Afghanistan and Kosovo is a very valuable support in our common efforts to promote peace and stability. We invite Azerbaijan to become more involved in the operational cooperation platform established at the NATO Summit in Wales, which is a very important tool to work more closely in preventing and resolving potential crises,” stated the President of Latvia.
“Latvia is convinced that the conflicts in the world, including the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict should be addressed peacefully based on universally recognised principles of international law, including the principle of territorial integrity,” said Raimonds Vējonis.
During the meeting with Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Artur Rasizade, the officials discussed bilateral economic cooperation. “Latvian - Azerbaijani intergovernmental commission can be a very effective tool to promote economic ties between the two countries. The last session held in Riga had positive outcomes. We appreciate the existing cooperation in forestry, development of green technology, agriculture, and tourism,” admitted the President of Latvia.
“Latvia is interested in the development of the North - South Transport Corridor connecting Azerbaijan, Iran, and India. Latvia offers its infrastructure opportunities for new cargo routes that would forge a better connectivity between India, Iran, Azerbaijan, and the EU Member States,” said Raimonds Vējonis.
Latvia intends to expand cooperation with Azerbaijan in education so that more Azerbaijani students could study in the universities in Latvia.