Vitenbergs in US affirms Latvia's intention to drop Russian gas imports

RIGA - Economics Minister Janis Vitenbergs (National Alliance), who spoke at the Transatlantic Energy Security Forum in the United States on Tuesday, affirmed Latvia's intention to give up Russian natural gas imports as fast as possible, the minister's spokeswoman Vineta Vilistere-Lace informed LETA. 

In his address to representatives of the US liquefied natural gas industry (LNG), congressmen and representatives of the US administration,  the Latvian minister indicated that Latvia has taken a clear decision to give up Russian gas imports and therefore regards deliveries of LNG from the US as a highly perspective alternative to Russian gas. 

"I am here with my team today to approach LNG companies and infrastructure developers in person on cooperation with Latvia, including negotiating long-term LNG deliveries and cooperating on construction of a LNG terminal in Latvia to strengthen Latvia's energy security and independence," the economics minister said. 

As reported, Vitenbergs embarked on a working visit to the US last week.

The purpose of the visit is to meet with various US officials and business representatives to discuss long-term cooperation in the field of energy, including innovative renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency solutions, possible introduction of small modular reactor technology in Latvia and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies, as well as attracting investments to Latvia.