Kuwaiti economic relations discussed

RIGA - Latvian Foreign Ministry State Secretary Andrejs Pildegovics on July 8 met with Kuwaiti Ambassador to Latvia Musaed al-Haroun, who had arrived for a farewell visit, reports LETA. The sides discussed Latvian-Kuwaiti relations, and the situation in the Arab States of the Persian Gulf and the Middle East.

Pildegovics noted al-Haroun’s active involvement in forming bilateral relations with Latvia and thanked the ambassador for his personal contribution in their upholding and development. The sides also assessed the recent visit by Kuwaiti MPs to Latvia, the search for oil deposits in Latvia’s territorial waters by Balin Energy, a joint venture by Poland’s refinery PKN Orlen, and Kuwait Energy Co.

Latvia is interested in developing cooperation with the Persian Gulf countries, as indicated by Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics’ participation in the 23rd session of the Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting of the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council in Bahrain.
The situation in the Persian Gulf countries and the Middle East is unstable, admitted the sides, particularly noting the latest developments in Syria, Egypt, Iraq and Yemen.

Pildegovics also told the Kuwaiti ambassador about several matters of great importance for Latvia - the introduction of the euro in Latvia, Latvia’s accession to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the forthcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union, and emphasized the need for establishing regional embassies to develop closer relations in the future.

These events will make Latvia more attractive and recognizable in the Persian Gulf countries, pointed out the Kuwaiti ambassador, expressing hope for an increase in the investment flow.