Today, on September 16, Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Georgia, Nika Gilauri during his official visit to Latvia.

Photos: Aivis Freidenfelds, State Chancellery

On Thursday, July 9, Valdis Dombrovskis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, held a meeting with Dirk Ahner, Director-General of the European Commission’s DG Regional Policy. During this meeting the sides discussed administration of the EU funds in Latvia and their re-allocation aimed at strengthening growth of the national economy.

Photo: Aivis Freidenfelds, State Chancellery

Wednesday, on June 10, Valdis Dombrovskis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, pays a visit to Brussels where he met José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, and Joaquín Almunia, European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs. The main topic of talks was the economic situation in Latvia and the progressing of budgetary amendments.

Photo: Thierry Monasse

Friday, on May 22, Valdis Dombrovskis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, addressed participants of the high-level meeting of the Government of Latvia and the Foreign Investors Council in Latvia. In his address the Latvian Prime Minister said: „Latvia’s Government highly appreciates international experience and Professional recommendation of foreign investors for enhancement of the business environment in Latvia which are of particular importance in view of the current challenges.”

On Friday, May 15, in the closing discussion devoted to the structural reforms in public administration, officials and experts stressed that activities of state and local government authorities should be reflected in an open and transparent manner through publication of their budget reports, agreements and administrative expenditures. Availability of information and public control would prevent unjustified public expenditures and reduce bureaucracy apparatus.

Photo: Uldis Pāže, Saeima

Thursday, on May 7, Valdis Dombrovskis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, during his working visit to the Czech Republic, participated in the inauguration summit of the Eastern Partnership. During this summit 27 Member States of the EU and 6 eastern neighbours – Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine signed a Declaration of the Eastern Partnership.

Photo: eu2009.cz

Today, on May 6, Valdis Dombrovskis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, met Joaquin Almunia, EU Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs.

Mr. Dombrovskis informed that the officials discussed Latvia’s progress in implementing its economy stabilization plan, drafting of the proposed budget amendments and structural reforms. Valdis Dombrovskis recognized the assessment expressed by Joaquin Almunia for the performance of the Latvia’s Government with regard to the budget amendments and structural reforms showing that Latvia is on the right way towards stabilization of the national economy and implementation of a sustainable reform policy.

Wednesday, on April 29, during the meeting of Valdis Dombrovskis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, and Dr. Angela Merkel, Federal Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel showed deep interest in the situation and processes in Latvia – the social and structural reforms, unemployment, benefits and pensions and the respective proposals of the Latvian Government. Dr. Merkel expressed her position that it seems quite impossible that Latvia could fulfil the commitments undertaken under the agreement concluded with its international lender at the end of the previous year in view of the current economic situation when the recession amounts to 12% of the GDP compared to the recession of 5% as anticipated at the end of the previous year.

Japanese Ambassador who paid an introductory visit to the Latvian Prime Minister, is the first residing Ambassador of Japan to Latvia. During the meeting Mr.Dombrovskis expressed his acknowledgement for the development of relations between Latvia and Japan. The sides shared the view that it is necessary to promote political, economic and cultural dialogue and strengthen contacts among the people of both countries. In August this year a pilot project will be launched which envisages four charter flights of Japan’s tourists to Rīga, and a visit of Japanese entrepreneurs to Latvia is also planned.

Today, on April 16, in the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia, a formal signing of agreements with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on a purchase of state-owned shares of Parex Bank took place, as a result of which the EBRD will become a holder of 25% and 1 share.

Photo - Ilmārs Znotiņš, Aivis Freidenfelds.

Friday, on April 3, Valdis Dombrovskis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, addressed the ambassadors accredited to Latvia. In his address, the Prime Minister emphasised that he has taken the office at a crucial moment for his country, as Latvia along with other countries in the world need to take decisive actions to tackle the financial and economic crisis. The necessary pre-conditions for that are political stability, sound economic policies and the capacity to implement the decisions adopted.

Yesterday, on May 22, Ivars Godmanis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, visited Prague, capital city of the Czech Republic. He participated in a multi-lateral meeting and a working dinner hosted by Mirek Topolanek, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, within the meeting of the European Nuclear Energy Forum taking place in Prague.

A meeting of the Czech Prime Minister and the Prime Minister of the three Baltic States took place in Prague, as well as another meeting with more participants, including the Heads of Government of the Vishegrad Group states, Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia and President of the European Commission José Manuel Durão Barroso. This was the first meeting at such level.