Latvia has a business-friendly environment and a skilled workforce - president of Malta

  • 2023-03-22
  • LETA/TBT Staff

RIGA - The growth of Maltese investments in Latvia is related to a business-friendly environment and an educated, skilled workforce, President of Malta George Vella told members of the press today after a meeting with Latvian President Egils Levits in Riga.

He pointed out that business relations with Latvia should be strengthened in the coming months by strengthening cooperation in the field of services, technology, manufacturing, the financial sector and renewable energy. The same applies to tourism, education and culture.

During their meeting, the presidents discussed European security issues, focusing especially on the war in Ukraine. According to Vella, the support should be holistic and address the medical and educational needs of Ukrainians. Also, the President of Malta noted that Ukraine is subject to all kinds of humanitarian violations - Russia blocks the delivery of humanitarian aid, destroys civil infrastructure and targets the people of Ukraine.

"Multilaterally, we must remain united and show what are the humanitarian consequences of the atrocities committed by Russian institutions. Despite Malta's neutrality, which is enshrined in the constitution, our position has been categorical in defense of Ukraine. We have not been silent and we have not accepted what is happening. We have openly expressed our support and assistance to the Ukrainian people and their leaders," said Vella.

The President of Malta noted that Malta's policy is active neutrality in order to build security and peace not only in the region, but also in other parts of the world. According to Vella, Malta's neutrality does not prevent it from condemning violations of international law and non-compliance with the UN Hague principles in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The presidents of Latvia and Malta also discussed European Union (EU) issues, as well as the situation in the Mediterranean Sea. The President of Malta emphasized that measures are needed to protect stability, security and prosperity in the region.

"We need to work together to prevent another crisis from developing while we are already in a crisis. We also talked about migration, which is a challenge for the whole EU, not just those countries bordering the bloc. We need a comprehensive approach at EU the level to effectively address this challenge," the President of Malta said at the press conference.

As reported, Vella has arrived on a two-day official visit to Latvia today.