Energy, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Legislation, Transport

Urmas Paet and Edgars Rinkevics. Photo: flickr.com

Estonian-Latvian economic relations are very good, said Paet. Latvia is on the third position among investment destination countries of Estonian entrepreneurs, as well as among general trading partners.

Paet stated that development of defence cooperation in the Baltic Sea region is very important. "The presence of our allies in our region and organising various exercises is also important," said Paet and thanked Latvia for participating in the exercise Spring Storm with one infantry company.

The Estonian and Latvian Foreign Minister also talked about regional issues of energy and the Rail Baltic railway connection. "Energy is a priority for Estonia in the Baltic cooperation and Nordic-Baltic co-operation NB8 this year," said Paet. He added that a fast agreement on creating a joint venture for the Rail Baltic is essential.

Speaking about the developments in Ukraine, Paet noted that Sunday's presidential election is crucial for the future of Ukraine. "The Ukrainian people must have the opportunity to decide the future of their country through peaceful means," said Paet, who visits Kiev today together with Norwegian foreign minister Børge Brende and Danish foreign minister Martin Lidegaard.