Latvia and UAE wish to expand economic ties

RIGA - Latvia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) wish to expand their economic ties, LETA was told at the Latvian Foreign Ministry. 

Foreign Ministry Parliamentary Secretary Reinis Brusbardis met with the Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Saeed Al Hajeri, in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. 

During the meeting, the officials affirmed their willingness to strengthen bilateral relations between Latvia and the UAE while devoting particular attention to the broadening of economic ties. The discussion addressed economic cooperation between the EU and the UAE and its potential development. Brusbardis and Al Hajeri also exchanged views on Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East.

The parliamentary secretary noted the growing interest of Latvian business people in cooperation with the UAE, underlining the export potential for Latvian goods and services to the UAE. In particular, he noted pharmaceuticals, biomedicine, smart farming, as well as food production.

The diplomats emphasized the positive impact of direct flights between Riga and Dubai on the expansion of business contacts and promotion of tourism links. Given that the airlines carefully assess the economic feasibility of opening new routes, the expansion of direct flights is a positive demonstration of existing cooperation and an indicator of potential for further cooperation.

Brusbardis, is on a visit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, where he is taking part in the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) from February 26 to 29.