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Giorgi Margvelashvili and Andris Berzins. Tbilisi, 26.11.2014. Photo: president.lv

After a meeting with Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili, Berzins emphasized that Latvia and Georgia had experienced similar challenges in the past. “The independence movements in our countries more than twenty years ago are still alive in the memory of our peoples. Since then, cooperation between our countries has really flourished," the Latvian president said.

During meeting with all of the top officials of Georgia, an assurance was voiced that Latvia had always expressed a continuous and constant political support to Georgia in its efforts to move closer to the European Union and NATO, and that Georgia highly appreciates this.

Meetings of various levels took place between officials from both countries, and the Presidential Press Service points out that this visit is the biggest ever delegation in terms of the number of state officials (seven) and the number of business representatives (over 70).

The Latvian president acknowledged that strengthening of economic relations between the two countries was one of the main purposes of the visit, which is far from the desired intensity. "More than seventy Latvian businessmen joined the delegation and arrived in Georgia in order to establish contacts and cooperate in development of large-scale and far-reaching business projects with partners in Georgia," said Berzins during a conversation with the Georgian president.

During the meetings, the development of the transportation and transit sectors was mentioned as one of the most important strategic areas of cooperation for both countries geo-politically, by linking the dynamic regions of the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea. This would also be important not only on the bilateral level, but also on the European level, so that Caspian gas and gas from other countries of the region could be delivered directly to Europe.

Particular attention was paid to Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations, where Latvia reaffirmed its strong support. Latvia is one of the first countries to ratify the European Union – Georgia Association Agreement, and the Georgian top officials highly appreciated this fact.

"Latvia came a long way in its reform process, thus I would like to confirm our readiness to share that experience with Georgia during its integration process. This cooperation will be especially efficient during the first half of 2015 when Latvia will be presiding over the EU Council and where the Eastern Partnership is one of our priorities," said the president of Latvia. He added that Latvia would do its best during the presidency so that Georgia would feel safer and continue moving forward in regards to European integration.

The Latvian president also acknowledged that Latvia appreciated the NATO – Georgia Partnership, which has only strengthened over the years as Georgia has proved itself a strong partner in the international mission in Afghanistan. "The major assistance program adopted at the NATO summit in Wales gives a good perspective for Georgia to move closer to the alliance," said Berzins. While addressing the current geopolitical situation and current events on the eastern borders of Europe, the president of Latvia stated, "It is obvious that the global security architecture has significantly collapsed this year. We have to take into account the tragic lessons we learned during conflicts in the past, therefore I call for choosing collaborative, negotiating and peaceful solutions. "

While assessing the just signed agreement on union and strategic partnership between Russia and the Republic of Abkhazia, the president of Latvia said during a press conference that Latvia reiterated its continued support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Therefore, this agreement is a step backwards in finding a solution to the conflict, which may affect security and stability of the region. "In order to find a sustainable solution, the parties are required to refrain from such unilateral and destructive behavior and must continue negotiations according to the Geneva negotiations format," said the president of Latvia.

The Presidential Press Service informs that the Latvian balance of trade with Georgia is positive. Total trade turnover of goods and services with Georgia reached EUR 29.8 million in 2013, which ranked Georgia as Latvia's 53rd most important trade partner. If compared to 2012, Latvian exports to Georgia have increased by 30%, while imports increased by 25%, which was the faster growth in exports over the last 10 years.

Several Latvian ministers are also on the official delegation to Georgia: Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkevics, Minister of Defence Raimonds Vejonis, Minister of Economics Dana Reizniece-Ozola, Minister of Interior Rihards Kozlovskis, Minister of Education and Science Marite Seile, Minister of Culture Dace Melbarde, and Minister of Agriculture Janis Duklavs.