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Today March 21 Aigars KalvÄ«tis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, met Georgi Parvanov, President of Bulgaria, who has come to Latvia on an official visit. During the meeting, the bilateral relations of Latvia and Bulgaria were discussed, as well as opportunities for developing mutual cooperation in the future. Both sides agreed that there are many opportunities for more intensive and diverse economic relations and trade between Latvia and Bulgaria. Prime Minister Aigars KalvÄ«tis noted with satisfaction the cooperation of Latvia and Bulgaria within the framework of NATO and the fact that Bulgaria will join the European Union (EU) already on January 1, 2007. Aigars KalvÄ«tis said that with the accession of Bulgaria and Romania the new EU member states will have better opportunities to achieve their interests, because they have similar views on many issues. Aigars KalvÄ«tis and Georgi Parvanov approved the agreement on cooperation in the field of education, science and culture that was signed today. The Prime Minister underscored the role of education in developing a knowledge-based economy and increased competitiveness of countries. Aigars KalvÄ«tis and Georgi Parvanov shared the same view on the role of the EUâÀ™s Neighbourhood Policy in ensuring democracy and stability in the neighbouring countries of the Baltic States: Belarus, Russia, as well as Ukraine, Moldova, the Caucasus and the Balkan region. Aigars KalvÄ«tis noted that several of the new member states âÀ“ the Baltic States, Poland and Slovakia have common efforts to ensure allocation of adequate EU funding to the EUâÀ™s New Neighbourhood Policy instrument, which would promote and facilitate reforms. Georgi Parvanov confirmed that Bulgaria has been and will be a stable partner of the EU, that it will cooperate and share with its neighbours the experience in implementing reforms, and that it will also support efforts to strengthen peace and democracy worldwide.
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