Baltic States – CIS, Belarus, Latvia, Legislation, Port, Transport

Vladimir Makei and Edgars Rinkevics. Riga, 22.05.2015. Photo: flickr.com

During the meeting, the Ministers signed a protocol on the amendments to the agreement between Latvia and Belarus on facilitation of local border traffic by border residents and discussed current issues in Latvia-Belarus and the EU-Belarus relations.

The officials positively assessed the course of bilateral cooperation between Latvia and Belarus, the active political dialogue, the intensive and broad and diverse cooperation in economy, cross-border contacts, border control and management, environmental protection, education and science, culture and other areas. Edgars Rinkevics commended the “agreement of intent” signed on 21 May at the Eastern Partnership Business Forum between the Belarusian Oil Company (Belarusneft) and SIA Woodison on the purchase of the liquid cargo terminal at the Freeport of Riga and expressed hope that this will strengthen further cooperation between Latvia and Belarus in the transport and transit sector.

Other topics discussed at the meeting were the EU-Belarus relations, in particular, the progress achieved during the Latvian Presidency of the EU Council, including in negotiations on the visa facilitation and readmission agreements, the establishment of the EU-Belarus Mobility Partnership, consultations within the Interim Phase of the European Dialogue on Modernisation with Belarusian society and other cooperation-related issues.

Amendments to the agreement between Latvia and Belarus on facilitation of cross border traffic for border residents mean that such residents will not need to register with local authorities before reception of a local border traffic permit at a designated consular post; travel documents will not be stamped upon crossing the border, and there is no longer a requirement for visitors to register when staying in the border area of the other country. The amendments to the local border traffic agreement will significantly facilitate travel and visits of Latvian and Belarusian residents living near the borders to the adjacent border area of the neighbouring country.