Baltic States – CIS, EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Legislation, Railways, Transport

Valdis Dombrovskis and Petr Necas. Riga, 17.05.2013. Photo: flickr.com

"The Czech Republic is very interested in the Rail Baltica project. Czech firms are prepared to participate in the construction of the train tracks, the modernization of the rail line, signal technology supplies, as well as the trains themselves," said Necas, adding that a consortium of Czech banks and the country's state insurance agency EGAP could also offer their assistance.

"Czech firms are also interested in offering services and sending their goods to Latvia," the Czech PM said, pointing out to the supply of trams and trolley-buses to Riga.

Meanwhile, Dombrovskis said that political cooperation between Latvia and the Czech Republic is very good, thus attention is currently being paid to strengthen economic cooperation. "The trends are very positive. Last year, trade volumes between Latvia and the Czech Republic rose by 10 percent, but we continue to see more potential for economic cooperation," the Latvian prime minister added.

The two sides discussed during today's meeting the coordination of positions on the European Union level, as both countries have similar views on many matters. Also discussed was the expansion of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which the Czech Republic supports. "We see no reason why Latvia should not be an OECD member," Necas said.

Latvian President Andris Berzins also met with the Czech prime minister today. The Presidential Press Service informs that the two sides discussed bilateral relations, economic cooperation, as well as their vision of the future of the European Union and the eurozone.

"Our cooperation with the Czech Republic has always been good, and we are close allies within NATO and have a close partnership within the EU," Berzins said.

As reported, Necas has arrived on an official one-day visit to Latvia today to meet with the country's highest officials.