Baltic States – CIS, EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Legislation, Transport

Andris Berzins and Erlan Abdyldaev. Riga, 18.12.2014. Photo: president.lv

During their meeting, the Latvian president emphasized that Latvia is interested in developing the political dialogue with Kyrgyzstan, as well as promote inter-parliamentary cooperation. The president also reminded that promoting cooperation with Central Asia will be one of Latvia's priorities during its upcoming EU presidency, and added that it is also in Latvia's interest for the EU to grant more visibility for the Central Asia region.

Berzins emphasized that it is important for the EU to see Kyrgyzstan as a country moving towards both economic and democratic development. The president confirmed that he will explain this to his colleagues in the EU during Latvia's presidency, and called on Kyrgyzstan to use this opportunity and the next six months to cooperate with Latvia and expand cooperation with EU institutions.

Meanwhile, Abdyldaev pointed out that President Berzins is a very welcome guest in Bishkek, and reminded that he was the first Latvian president to ever visit the country. He emphasized that it is important for both countries to discuss their vision on the future development of the post-Soviet space, as well as pointed out that this visit will certainly serve as a positive signal for Kyrgyzstan's reform process, as well as the development of the parliamentary democracy in the country.

Also during the meeting, the two sides discussed common interests in the business sphere, and Berzins emphasized that Latvia is especially interested in cooperating in the area of transit and transportation.