Business, EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Markets and Companies

Andris Teikmanis.

Merkel's visit shows that Germany wishes to develop cooperation not just with large European Union member states but also with small countries. Merkel's visit is of historic importance, and Latvia has been waiting for a long time for it to take place, said Teikmanis.

According to Teikmanis, Merkel has inherited very much from former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, who also strove to expand Germany's cooperation with large as well as with small countries, writes LETA.

Defense Minister Imants Liegis (Civic Union) also said during the debate that Merkel's visit to Latvia was a "success story".

As reported, Merkel will arrive on an official visit to Latvia today.

During the visit, Merkel will meet with several Latvian officials – President Valdis Zatlers, Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis (New Era), Foreign Minister Aivis Ronis and Economy Minister Artis Kampars (New Era).

The main goal of the visit is to discuss the development of economic relations between the two countries.

Merkel last visited Latvia in 2006 when Riga hosted the NATO Summit.

The welcoming ceremony for Merkel at the Riga Airport will take place at 10:10 p.m. today.

Tomorrow, Dombrovskis and Merkel will lay flowers at the Freedom Monument at 9 a.m., the official meeting between Zatlers and Merkel will start at 9:30 a.m., whereas at 10:15 Zatlers and Merkel will make a joint statement to the media.

Dombrovskis' meeting with Merkel is scheduled for 10:30, and they will hold a joint press conference at the Cabinet of Ministers at 11:45 a.m.

In the afternoon, Dombrovskis and Merkel will participate in a German-Latvian economic forum. Merkel will also go on a tour of Riga's Old Town.