Aigars Kalvītis and the President of the Swiss Confederation discussed opportunities for closer economic relations

Today, June 20, Aigars, Kalvītis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, met Samuel Schmid, President of the Swiss Confederation, during his state visit to Latvia.

This is the first visit of the President of the Swiss Confederation to Latvia upon re-establishment of LatviaâÀ™s independence, and the visit is taking place at time when economic and political relations of Latvia and Switzerland have become closer upon accession of Latvia to the European Union (EU).

The focus of the meeting was on further development of economic cooperation. Aigars Kalvītis acknowledged the dynamic economic relations of both countries proved by an export increase by 55% in 2005, if compared with the previous year. The President was accompanied by a big delegation of Swiss businessmen in order to establish new contacts with the Latvian side and find out more details about business opportunities in Latvia.

Aigars Kalvītis informed Samuel Schmid about the latest development in the EU and results of the June with regard to the Constitutional Treaty of the EU and Financial Perspective for 2007-2013.

The Latvian Prime Minister expressed his sincere appreciation for SwitzerlandâÀ™s contributions for the needs relating to the EU economic and financial cohesion. Latvia hopes that the relevant agreement with Switzerland on this funding will be signed soon.

Aigars KalvÄ«tis called for support of the President of the Swiss Confederation for LatviaâÀ™s accession to the Organization for European Security and Co-operation  (OECD).