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Today, January 25, Aigars KalvÄ«tis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, during his working visit in Portugal met Jaime José Matos da Gama, President of the National Assembly (Parliament) of the Republic of Portugal, and more than twenty Members of Parliament âÀ“ representatives of various political groups. Portuguese MPs highly acknowledged economic and political reforms in Latvia pointing out to the fact that Latvia is a good example for EU Member States in performing reforms and promoting economic development. The Latvian Prime Minister expressed his gratitude about PortugalâÀ™s decision to establish its embassy in Latvia, which would be the first embassy of Portugal in the Baltic States. Aigars KalvÄ«tis expressed strong conviction that PortugalâÀ™s embassy in RÄ«ga would strengthen political and economic contacts of both countries. MPs showed interest about political processes in new neighbours of the EU: Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. Both sides discussed LatviaâÀ™s experience and opportunities to develop cooperation with these countries. Positive assessment was given to cooperation of LatviaâÀ™s Saeima (Parliament) and the National Assembly of Portugal. The Prime Minister emphasised importance of political cooperation, particularly in the EU legislative process, in order to ensure coordinated positions of small- and medium-sized EU Member States and formation of common ideas about issues decided in the EU. The visit of Aigars KalvÄ«tis takes place at special time. This is 85th anniversary since Portugal recognised independence of Latvia, and 15 years since it recognised restoration of LatviaâÀ™s independence. Moreover, January 26 is the date on which the Republic of Latvia was recognised internationally (de jure). Today, the Latvian Prime Minister is meeting the Prime Minister of Portugal and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
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