Baltic States – CIS, EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Legislation, Markets and Companies

Roberto Azevedo and Andris Berzins. Riga, 24.03.2015. Photo: president.lv

Latvia has always strived to ensure stability, Azevedo emphasized. As the presiding country at the Council of the European Union, Latvia sees different opinions of various EU member states, including about economic development matters, he said. Berzins told Azevedo that Eastern Partnership countries and fostering cooperation with Central Asian countries was one of the priorities in Latvia's foreign policy. Taking into consideration the mutual sanctions between the EU and Russia, the popular opinion of Latvia being a transit country has been changing, he added.

Azevedo inquired about Latvia's vision of the Eastern Partnership countries, noting that Latvia could serve as a source of inspiration for each of these countries regarding implementation of the principles of democracy, doing consistent work in various international organizations, and observing the rule of law.

Small countries with small domestic markets and diversified exports benefit greatly from WTO membership, Azevedo said. Berzins agreed with Azevedo, adding that Latvia, as a WTO member, always strived for constructive solutions.

Azevedo said Latvia was a reliable partner and goal-oriented member of the WTO, said Azevedo, thanking Berzins for Latvia's support for the WTO's efforts.

Azevedo also said he hoped that the recent developments at the WTO would pave the way to more productive talks about trade liberalization in the future.