China, EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Legislation, Logistics, Railways, Transport

During both meetings, Straujuma expressed gratitude for the excellent organization of the 16 + 1 Summit, during which a clear perspective on future cooperation between China and Central and Eastern Europe was reached.

During the meeting with the president of China, Straujuma stressed that Latvia will host the 16 + 1 Summit in Riga next year, and will actively engage in coordination of logistics between the countries that has been entrusted to Latvia. "Latvia will contribute to the initiative "One Road, One Belt" that will connect our countries, as well as to the implementation of the maritime route of the New Silk Road," said Straujuma.

In conversation with the prime minister of China, Straujuma acknowledged that the cooperation between Latvia and China has expanded since the last year, including the certification of Latvian dairy, fish, meat products for the Chinese market has been reached.

Discussing further implementation of the "One Road, One Belt" initiative, Straujuma and the prime minister of China discussed opportunities for future cooperation in the fields of transport and logistics. Straujuma informed about the development of the rail project ''Rail Baltica'', the development of Latvian ports and Latvian national airline and plans to launch a direct flight between Riga and Chengdu next year.

''Latvia is convinced of the importance of connectivity in today's world. Our country is open to cooperation with China; we are also interested in connecting the maritime routes of the Baltic, Adriatic, and the Black Sea. We call on the Chinese companies to invest in Latvia," said Straujuma.

The prime minister of China pointed out that China is interested in further rapid implementation of large transport and logistics processes that would contribute to the development of Latvia and the Baltic States and further connectivity of China – Central and Eastern Europe. He also expressed support for launching a direct flight between Chengdu and Riga that would encourage the flow of tourists in both directions.