Latvian PM: European countries must be open to different opinions

Countries in Europe must be open to opinions of other countries, even if those opinions differ from their own, Latvian Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis (Greens/Farmers) said during the high-level discussion on the future of Europe and global challenges at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Speaking about the future of Europe, Kusinskis said there were complicated issues that were dividing the member states and affecting the sense of belonging with the EU, the prime minister's office said.

"It is vital that even the most complicated matters are put to a debate. But it is just as important that the member states should listen to each other and be open to the opinions of others, even if those opinions differ from their own," the Latvian prime minister said.

He  emphasized the urgency to rebuild trust in Europe among the citizens that still felt the effects of the economic and financial crisis. This is also the time for continued efforts to strengthen resilience of policies to possible future challenges.

"Our future growth and competitiveness will increasingly depend on the labor force – a highly-developed and educated labor force. Quality of education, life-long learning, research and innovations - these components will be crucial in a competitive economy," Kucinskis.

The Latvian prime minister participated in the World Economic Forum inDavos, Switzerland, on January 24-26.