Karins and Ukrainian PM discuss closer economic cooperation between Latvia and Ukraine

RIGA - Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) and his Ukrainian counterpart Denis Shmyhal in a videoconference on Friday discussed bilateral relations and closer economic cooperation between the two countries, Karins' spokesman Sandis Sabajevs informed LETA.

In their conversation, Karins and Shmyhal stressed common democratic values and the Latvian prime minister expressed Latvia's support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as the Ukrainian government's efforts to promote peace in eastern Ukraine. Latvia also backs Ukraine's Euro-atlantic integration and reforms, particularly in the judiciary and combating corruption. 

Shmyhal spoke positively of the 8th meeting of the intergovernmental commission, which took place in November, and said that Ukraine is interested in close economic ties and cooperation of the two countries transport sectors.

The talks between Karins and Shmyhal dealt with possibilities of promoting cooperation in areas like trade, transport and logistics. The two premiers shared experienced in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and mitigating its impact, Sabajevs said.

The two sides pledged to work to make that once the pandemic is over, cooperation between Latvia and Ukraine becomes even closer.