EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Legislation, Port, Transport

Kazakhstan is Latvia's strategic partner in container transportation in Europe and we are interested in building even closer cooperation with Kazakhstan in transit, logistics and transport, said the member of the Latvian parliament's Presidium.

Vassilenko agreed that transport and logistics had the greatest potential for closer cooperation and recognized the advantages of Latvia's geographic position, including non-freezing ports.

Kutris reaffirmed Latvia's interest in developing trade with Kazakhstan, in particular exports of Latvian services and goods, including fish products.

Closer cooperation in information and communications technology will also open up wide opportunities. Kazakhstan is particularly interested in Latvia's experience regarding startups, said the deputy foreign minister. Renewable energy also is a field for potential cooperation in the light of Kazakhstan's commitment to keep increasing the share of renewable energy, he said.

Expanding cooperation in higher education was also discussed, and the officials welcomed the growing interest of Kazakh students in studying at Latvian universities.

Kutris praised the reforms under way in Kazakhstan and said the Latvia was willing to share with Kazakhstan its reform experience and expertise, including as regards demarcation and delimitation of borders.

Latvia and Kazakhstan have good political relations, including an active parliamentary dialogue as evidenced by exchange of visits. Kutris invited the Kazakh top officials to visit Latvia during the centenary celebration in order to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

The Latvian parliament's deputy secretary remarked on successful conclusion of the latest meeting of the Latvia-Kazakhstan Intergovernmental Commission on May 31 resulting in agreements on further economic, scientific and technical cooperation.