Economics, Education and Science, EU – Baltic States, Latvia

"Considering the current global challenges and changes, the task of ensuring the wellbeing of our peoples will remain as important as before. There is no doubt that there is a great role in this for international relations, and in particular for the strengthening of economic ties. In comparison with Latvian and Czech multilateral cultural contacts, there is much unused potential in the field of economic cooperation," said the Latvian president.

Zatlers spoke approvingly of the Latvian-Czech business forum which will take place in Prague today, which will strengthen existing cooperation and provide opportunities to broaden business ties between the two countries, writes LETA.

In his address, the president stressed the long-established cultural and historical ties between the two countries, which experienced its first blossoming with the Moravian Herrnhut Movement in Vidzeme during the first half of the 18th century.

"Starting from that time, we can be genuinely proud of our excellent cooperation in the sphere of education," indicated Zatlers, noting that the reform of Latvian orthography was partially based on the Czech example.

The president further stressed that, symbolically, Prague's Charles University is one of the few places in the world outside Latvia where one can receive a master's degree in the study of the Latvian language.

"I thank from the heart those Czech teachers and students in both Prague and Brno who have chosen to be friends of Latvia," said Zatlers.

As reported, the president is currently on a two-day state visit to the Czech Republic.