Westerwelle praises Latvia’s efforts

  • 2010-06-17
  • From wire reports

RIGA - Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis (New Era) has recommended to German Foreign Minister and Vice Chancellor Guido Westerwelle that Germany “consider investment possibilities in Latvia” while they were in discussion on bilateral cooperation at a June 11 meeting, reports news agency LETA. During the meeting, Westervelle and Dombrovskis agreed that there is much potential for economic cooperation between the two countries, and that work needs to be done so that more German business delegations visit Latvia.

At the same time, Dombrovskis and Westerwelle also discussed EU-Russian relations. “Latvia’s example shows that these relations are improving, political contacts are increasing, and we are working on various bilateral agreements. During my discussion with the German foreign minister, we agreed that such cooperation must continue and must develop further,” Dombrovskis added.

Also discussed was the problem within the eurozone, as well as Latvia’s desire to join the European common currency zone. Dombrovskis and Westerwelle discussed control mechanisms within the eurozone, so that all eurozone members comply with Maastricht criteria so that such problems could be avoided in the future.
The German foreign minister also said that he is pleasantly surprised at how Latvia has been able to overcome the economic crisis and stabilize the country’s economy. “I can only compliment Latvia’s ambitious goal to take its own road in joining the eurozone. After the country’s recession, the first signs of recovery and growth can be seen, which is also a positive signal for Europe,” said Westerwelle.

“Our countries are good friends and partners, and we wish to expand the cooperation between us,” he added.
Westerwelle also met with President Valdis Zatlers. During the meeting, the German foreign minister pointed out the excellent relations between the two countries and thanked Zatlers for participating in the events marking the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall last year. The Latvian president expressed satisfaction on the support Latvia has received from Germany during the economic crisis, and urged German investors to continue investing in Latvia.
The two officials also discussed the economic situation in Latvia, as well as the political situation in Latvia during the pre-election period.

Discussing Latvian-Russian relations, as well as cooperation between the EU and Russia, Westerwelle pointed out Latvia’s strategic role in forming pragmatic relations with Russia, and expressed support towards the dialogue between Latvia and Russia.

At the end of the meeting, the president and the German minister discussed the NATO operation in Afghanistan. Zatlers thanked Westerwelle for the excellent cooperation between Latvian and German soldiers there.