Close relationship between the EU and Switzerland have always been in Latvia’s interests - Foreign Ministry's state secretary

RIGA - On August 18, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andris Pelss, met with the new Ambassador of Switzerland, Martin Xavier Michelet, who had arrived on an accreditation visit, LETA learned from the Latvian Foreign Ministry.

The State Secretary congratulated the Ambassador on taking up his new post and he underlined the importance of Switzerland as a partner, with the two countries sustaining an active and constructive political dialogue. Latvia and Switzerland have a long-standing historical link, and Pelss recalled with satisfaction an official visit to Latvia by the Foreign Minister of Switzerland, Ignazio Cassis, earlier this year, which marks the centenary since Switzerland recognized Latvia de jure and three decades since the restoration of their diplomatic relations.

The diplomats were in agreement about the need to continue economic cooperation and they noted the special potential of high technologies.

The officials also discussed the relationship between the European Union and Switzerland, and State Secretary Pelss underlined the importance of Switzerland as a partner to the EU not only at the bilateral but also international level. Therefore, close relationship between the EU and Switzerland have always been in Latvia’s interests. While respecting Switzerland’s decision to terminate the negotiations of the EU-Swiss Institutional Framework Agreement, the State Secretary still expressed hope that a mutually acceptable solution will be found, which would also facilitate a constructive political dialogue and active economic cooperation in future.

Pelss also thanked Switzerland for projects implemented with Swiss support and funding under the Latvian-Swiss Cooperation Program and he confirmed interest in a continued cooperation.