The visit of the President of Latvia to Georgia takes place at a historic moment, as the visa-free regime between Georgia and the Schengen area countries has entered into force on Tuesday, March 28. Raimonds Vējonis pointed out that the visa-free regime was a proof of the successful reforming process in Georgia, which would approximate Georgia to Europe in people-to-people daily contacts and would provide additional impetus to the enhancement of the bilateral relations between Latvia and Georgia.
“Latvia is ready to continue sharing its experience in reforming with Georgia. That is a tough daily job, which does not always bring popularity, but fundamental changes are needed,” said Raimonds Vējonis. He noted the need to continue close cooperation within the framework of EU Eastern Partnership Program.
The President stressed that every country has the right to take independent decisions free from external pressure about its foreign and security policies. “Georgia is an important partner for the NATO, which is an example for other countries with its commitment to closer Euro-Atlantic integration. It is important to continue the NATO Special Support Program for Georgia that will strengthen its defensibility and operational cooperation with NATO, thus helping prepare for eventual membership in the Alliance,” stated Raimonds Vējonis.
During the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministries of Interior of Latvia and Georgia for the expansion of bilateral cooperation on Tuesday.
The President of Latvia indicated that the economic cooperation between Latvia and Georgia was developing rapidly in recent years, but there was still much room for growth, as evidenced by the sectoral and association cooperation agreements signed on Tuesday in Tbilisi.
The Latvian Investment and Development Agency and the Georgian Business Development Agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding providing to foster closer cooperation between the two countries by organising the joint incentives facilitating entrepreneurship.
The representatives of the Latvian IT cluster and the representatives of the Georgian ICT Business Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in education, science, and information technology, which aimed at promoting knowledge-based economic growth in both countries, export of IT skills and competencies, and development of start-ups and innovative economic directions.
In its turn, the cooperation agreement between the Latvian Telecommunications Association and the Georgian Union of Cable Television will encourage cooperation in solving the issues of sector-specific legislation, training, and cyber security.
President of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis and First Lady of Latvia Iveta Vējone pay a state visit to Georgia from March 27 to March 30. During the visit, the President of Latvia will also visit the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia, he will see the administrative borderline between Georgia and South Ossetia, and he will participate in the opening ceremony of the Island of Music, the joint Latvian and Georgian investment project.