Baltic States – CIS, Education and Science, EU – Baltic States, Forum, Latvia, Technology

Andris Berzins at a roundtable discussion on prospects of cooperation in the field of education between Latvia and Finland. Helsinki, 30.01.2015. Photo: preisdent.lv

Continuing his official visit to Finland, Berzins, relevant ministers and representatives of the delegation participated in a roundtable discussion on prospects of cooperation in the field of education between Latvia and Finland. During the discussion, three documents were also signed: Memorandum of Cooperation between the University of Latvia and the University of Helsinki, Memorandum of Understanding between Riga Technical University and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, and Cooperation Agreement between the Art Academy of Latvia and Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture.

After the education discussion, Berzins had a meeting with Stubb, where the parties discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries, the major goals of the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and the issues related to the Ukrainian crisis and security in the region.

The Latvian and Finnish cooperation and friendship are highly valued and historically close, Berzins and Stubb agreed. The Finnish premier added that when meeting with the Baltic or Nordic colleagues, he always felt like meeting members of one family.

Berzins welcomed close cooperation between the two countries within the framework of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region and highlighted the need to take over experience of the Finnish education system highly valued in the world, to Latvia.

"Latvia is willing to cooperate with Finland in the field of education by developing cooperation in all areas of education and experience of technology transfer," said Berzins.

When discussing priorities of the Latvian Presidency, Berzins focused on the priority blocks: promotion of the EU's competitiveness and growth, use of digital potential for growth of the EU, and strengthening the role of the EU on the international arena. He added that internal security of the EU, the Eastern Partnership, and countries of Central Asia were significant, too.

Both parties agreed that the aggravating situation in Ukraine and increased military activity of Russia observed in the region, the Baltic States and Nordic countries were concerned about the security situation, while acknowledging that the solution could only be achieved by diplomatic and negotiations.

Berzins also visited VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and Geological Survey of Finland. In conclusion of the visit, Berzins met with the Latvian community in Finland at the Latvian Embassy in Finland, and attended a concert in honor of the Latvian Presidency of the EU Council where the Riga Cathedral Boys Choir performed.