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

Mikheil Saakashvili and Andris Berzins. Riga, 29.05.2012. Photo: president.lv

''We are more optimistic as ever before,'' Saakashvili told members of the press today after a meeting with President Andris Berzins.

Saakashvili also mentioned that rumors have been circulating that the next NATO Summit could be become an enlargement summit, informs LETA.

On the other hand, Berzins said that when taking into account the results of the recent NATO Summit in Chicago, this is a realistic assessment.

The Georgian president expressed satisfaction on the evaluation of the country's progress during the NATO Summit. ''Each NATO Summit has been an opportunity for us, but also a challenge and risk,'' Saaksahvili said, pointing out that the worst case scenario for Tbilisi would have been a bad assessment for the country's progress, which did not happen.

Saakasvili also pointed out to the similarities between Latvia and Georgia in joining the alliance. Latvia's inclusion in the alliance was evaluated together with the other Baltic countries, while Georgia's progress is currently being evaluated together with the progress of the Balkans.

Berzins once again confirmed that Latvia will continue to support Georgia's road towards EU and NATO membership.

Describing relations between Russia and Georgia, Saakashvili pointed out that former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev once announced that he cannot stand Saakashvili and wishes to rid of him. At the same time, the Georgian president pointed out that he wishes to have constructive and open relations with Russia, which do not threat Georgia's independence.

The Latvian and Georgian president also praised the excellent relations between the two countries, however, admitted that wider economic cooperation is needed. ''We have a good foundation for active long-term cooperation,'' Berzins said.

As reported, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili and First Lady Sandra Saakashvili-Roelofs arrived on a state visit to Latvia today.

This is Saakashvili's third visit to Latvia.