Aigars Kalvītis and US Congressmen discuss closer economic cooperation

Today, Aigars Kalvītis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, met four Congressmen of the United States of America - Bob Goodlatte, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Collin Peterson, Kenny Marchant and Mike McIntyre, as well as their accompanying delegation.

Aigars KalvÄ«tis expressed his pleasure with the visit of the United States Congressmen to Latvia, which will promote development of closer political and economic contacts between Latvia and the United States âÀ“ parliamentary cooperation, as well as exchange of experience in various sectors including agriculture. Both sides agreed that there are many unused opportunities for US investments in Latvia and more intensive trade. In order to promote economic ties, a conference of US investors will be held in RÄ«ga in May.

Aigars Kalvītis stressed that introduction of a visa-free regime between Latvia and the United States would be a significant factor in expanding business cooperation between both countries, and asked for the support of the Congress on this issue. The Congressmen said that in order to make this decision Members of the Congress need to learn to know Latvia better and members of parliaments of both countries need to cooperate closer.

The Prime Minister stressed the strategic ties of Latvia and the United States as NATO allies and thanked for the US support to organizing the NATO summit in RÄ«ga. The Congressmen thanked Latvia for fight against terrorism and support to alliesâÀ™ joint efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan aimed at ensuring freedom and peace in the region.

Both sides discussed the negotiation process in the World Trade Organization, cooperation of the Baltic States, issues concerning energy supply, democratic processes in Eastern Europe and relations with neighbouring countries.