Analytics, Energy, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Financial Services, Latvia, Transport

Andrus Ansip and Laimdota Straujuma. Tallinn, 3.01.2014. Photo: valitsus.ee

According to Prime Minister Andrus Ansip, the co-operation and co-ordination have been excellent in terms of coping with the economic crisis as well as holding negotiations over the European Union’s new financial perspective. He expressed hope that good co-operation will continue in the future. The Prime Minister added that Estonia has strongly supported Latvia’s accession to the EU. “I am glad that the Estonians and Latvians use common currency from the beginning of this year,” he said.

According to the Prime Ministers, Estonia and Latvia have also excellent economic relations. Based on the indicators of the first nine months of the previous year, Latvia is the third investment destination for Estonian companies, where a total of 17% of the direct investments of Estonia are channelled to. Latvia is ranked third as a trading partner – both import and export show a trend of growth.

Also, the Rail Baltica and the location of the regional liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal were discussed at the meeting.

At the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip introduced Estonia’s e-government work to his Latvian colleague, who was on her first foreign visit. After the meeting, the Prime Ministers headed for the Kadriorg Art Museum, where the Baltic Prime Ministers will continue to discuss the topics of IT co-operation and the Rail Baltica project.