On 10 December 2010 the Prime Minister of Latvia Valdis Dombrovskis and the Prime Minister of Estonia Andrus Ansip took part at the Latvian-Estonian Future Co-operation Report Stakeholders’ Conference in Riga.
During the Conference the ways forward for the implementation of the Latvian-Estonian Future Co-operation Report were discussed.
The Prime Ministers were of the opinion that the elaboration of the Latvian-Estonian Future Co-operation Report is proof of a very fruitful and lively bilateral dialogue. At the same time it also indicates that there are co-operation areas where it is still possible to further develop and use the potential of common action.
The Prime Ministers noted that closer consolidation of Latvian-Estonian bilateral activities is not only a virtue in itself. It also contributes to more fruitful regional co-operation of the three Baltic countries and Nordic and Baltic countries.
To facilitate the co-operation the Prime Ministers agreed on the necessity to set operational guidelines for common action. Building on the recommendations of the Report and the stakeholders’ discussions, the Prime Ministers endorsed the following co-operation priority areas for the year 2011:
- Mobility and people-to-people relations, including co-operation in the fields of education, culture and co-operation of the public broadcasters;
- Developing business environment and cross-border infrastructure, including in the field of energy and transport;
- Closer integration of border regions, including joint activities in the sphere of tourism.
The Prime Ministers emphasised that both administrations have already been working together with more than 10 concrete projects in priority areas. They encouraged all key stakeholders to enhance bilateral contacts and move ahead with new joint initiatives. More active cooperation strengthens future perspectives for both countries and supports new growth and higher living standards.
The Prime Ministers agreed to review the implementation process at the end of 2011.
The photos of the opening of conference are available in the photo album of the State Chancellery: http://www.flickr.com/photos/valstskanceleja/sets/72157625442356617/
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