Linkaits discusses development of transport infrastructure with Czech minister of transport

RIGA - Minister of Transport Talis Linkaits (New Conservative Party) met with the Minister of Transport of the Czech Republic Martin Kupka on Wednesday to discuss the development of the two countries' transport infrastructure and current issues at the European Union (EU) level, the minister's spokeswoman Baiba Abelniece told LETA.

During the meeting, Kupka presented the plans of the new Czech government in the transport sector, including new high-speed roads connecting the western and eastern parts of the country, and the development of railways by creating new high-speed train connections.

During the conversation, Linkaits emphasized the important role of railway transport, including in the development of public transportation, and informed about the progress of the Rail Baltica project.

The ministers also discussed current EU priorities in the field of transport, including the de-carbonization of the transport sector and the expansion of the charging network. The meeting concluded that transport projects require large investments, so decisions in this direction must be balanced.

In the second half of this year, the Czech Republic will hold the presidency of the EU Council. Kupka said the Czech presidency's priorities would be to build smart mobility and improve connectivity, including the development of high-speed rail lines.

Abelniece also noted that during the meeting, the Ministers expressed satisfaction with the co-operation between the countries in the production of new electric trains, which are currently being produced by the Czech company Skoda Vagonka and will start operating in Latvia later this year.