Thurday, on July 2, Valdis Dombrovskis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, held a meeting with Grigol Vashadze, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, during his official visit to Latvia, in order to discuss bilateral relations of both countries and international issues.
Regarding bilateral relations both officials discussed the visit of the Georgian Prime Minister to Latvia planned in September this year and shared the view that it is necessary to organise the first meeting of the Inter-governmental Commission on Economic, Industrial, Scientific and Technical Cooperation and a business forum of Latvian and Georgian companies.
Grigol Vashadze informed that Georgia has set a goal to sign a European Union Association Agreement covering a Free Trade Agreement and simplification of the visa regime. In view of the upcoming fundamental reforms to be undertaken by Georgia, it would be interested in receiving technical expertise of the Latvian side in such areas as veterinary, food safety and sanitary standards. Valdis Dombrovskis offered cooperation with the Latvian experts. The sides agreed on further consultations among the respective institutions.
During the meeting the officials exchanged views concerning the economic situation in both countries. Valdis Dombrovskis informed about the decisions adopted by his Government and the respective budget cuts aimed at overcoming the economic crisis. The Georgian representative described local economic developments in Georgia indicating a recession in the amount of 2% of GDP this year. One of the current issues in Georgia is the high level of unemployment, in particular among highly skilled specialists, and a considerable decrease in the amount of direct foreign investment.
Grigol Vashadze informed about the situation in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The Georgian Foreign Minister expressed gratitude for Latvia’s support to Georgia and Latvia’s involvement in the EU monitoring mission in Georgia which is essential for Georgia’s security. In order to encourage multilateral cooperation with Georgia, Valdis Dombrovskis expressed his support to new projects under the EU Eastern Partnership.
The Latvian Prime Minister asked about the domestic situation in Georgia. Grigol Vashadze informed that the situation has become more stable and that the Government is planning a number of reforms, including funding of political parties from the state budget.
Zanda Šadre
Consultant
Communication Department
Phone: 6-7082919 / 2-9120742
E-mail: zanda.sadre@mk.gov.lv
|
