Good for Business, Investments, Latvia, Markets and Companies, Tourism

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Andris Berzins. Riga, 18.03.2014. Photo: president.lv

Sheikh Abdullah was on an official visit to Latvia yesterday, the State Chancellery's Press Service informed LETA.

Speaking of bilateral relations, Berzins and Sheikh Abdullah noted the intensifying political dialog and agreed on the need to further expand the political dialog, including by the opening of a Latvian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and furthering cooperation in the economy, education, and culture.

Berzins said he was pleased at Latvian businessmen's increasing interest in the UAE as well as UAE investments in Latvia.

In turn, Sheikh Abdullah informed Berzins about visa-free travel to the UAE for the citizens of the European Union, including Latvia, as of March 22 this year.

The minister also congratulated Riga on becoming the 2014 European Capital of Culture, whereas Berzins said he hoped for closer cooperation between Riga and Sharjah, the Islamic Capital of Culture this year.

Also, Berzins proposed establishment of new contacts between universities and cultural institutions in both countries.

During the meeting, the officials also discussed current affairs in the world, including the situation in Ukraine. Abdullah said he hoped that Ukraine and Russia would be able to reach a political solution to the conflict and stabilize the situation in the region, whereas Berzins condemned Russia's incursion into Ukraine, also emphasizing the need for a political solution.

In conclusion of the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah invited Berzins to visit the UAE.

Sheikh Abdullah has been the foreign minister of the UAE since 2006 and this is his second visit to Latvia.