Kucinskis praises Latvian relations with Poland, Czech Republic in energy, trade

  • 2016-11-05
  • BNS/TBT Staff

RIGA - During a meeting on Saturday in Riga with the visiting Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo, Latvian Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis (Greens/Farmers) asserted that he is optimistic of the potential for co-operation with Poland in regional energy infrastructure projects.

BNS learned from the prime minister's press secretary Andrejs Vaivars that Kucinskis highly values the fortification of economic co-operation with Poland in the Latvian-Polish dialogue.

''We are interested in completing the Lithuania-Poland gas pipeline connection project as soon as possible, which will help create a regional gas market,'' Kucinskis commented.

Kucinskis also highlighted the positive and friendly relationship between Latvia and Poland, in addition to fruitful co-operation within NATO, the EU, and regional co-operation frameworks. He also noted that Poland is Latvia's fifth largest trade partner.

Meanwhile, at a meeting with Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, the two sides discussed issues impacting the relationship between the two nations, security issues, and Europe’s current situation.

Kucinskis voiced his satisfaction concerning the increased turnover of commodity trade between the nations and also mentioned that Latvia is hopeful for an expansion of trade, including food industry products, pharmaceutical products, and the timber industry. "There is still untapped potential for the export of niche products with high added value, as well as co-operation in the information technology and startup sector," said Kucinskis.

The encouraging fact that Charles University in Prague and Masaryk University in Brno are teaching Latvian language was mentioned, in addition to the availability of Czech courses at the University of Latvia.

Regarding the situation in Europe, Kucinskis emphasised that the region’s focus should be on measures and ideas for the restoration of public support and confidence in the EU and promotion of EU security, socio-economic development, and global competitiveness.

Szydlo and Sobotka are in Latvia to attend the 16+1 Summit.