OREANDA-NEWS. On July 20, 2007 Aigars Kalvitis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, held a meeting with Igor Levitin, Co-Chairman of the Latvian-Russian Intergovernmental Commission, Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation, during his visit to Latvia in order to participate in the first meeting of the Commission, reported the Official website www.mk.gov.lv.

The Prime Minister was satisfied with committed work of the Commission which defined the main issues to be addressed and stipulated the respective concrete measures to be taken.

The Co-Chairman of the Latvian-Russian Intergovernmental Commission and the Minister of Transport of Russia admitted that this meeting is an important event in the context of bilateral relations of last 15 years. This meeting was supported by the recent meeting of the Prime Ministers of Latvia and Russia, the official visit of Aigars Kalvitis to Moscow and by active work of both embassies.

Igor Levitin greetings from Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov and informed that Russia is planning to ratify the Border Treaty between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Latvia in autumn this year.

The sides also discussed political and economic issues: preparation of intergovernmental agreements on avoidance of double taxation and on protection of investments; closer cooperation in the area of transport and logistics, in wood processing; border crossing issues and activities of the Latvia-Russia Business Council.

Aigars Kalvitis emphasised that Latvia is interested in more extensive freight transportation through Latvia’s ports and by rail and stressed that Latvia is able to provide adequate infrastructure, service quality and transport connections between both countries. Both countries would benefit in this process.

The Prime Minister admitted that a key issue in Latvia is the long rows of truck on the border of Latvia and Russia and pointed out that this is an issue to be addressed not just by these two countries but also by the European Union.

Igor Levitin informed about the negotiations with the European Commission concerning the above issue and confirmed that Russia is interested in construction of modern veterinary inspection stations in its border crossing points and to introduce electronic declaration which would significantly reduce the time required for inspection. The Russian Minister stressed that Russia is interested in solving this issue as soon as possible.

Another focus of the meeting was on activities of the Latvia-Russia Business Council and its role in supporting the Intergovernmental Commission. Aigars Kalvitis stressed that it is important for the Latvian Government to exchange views with entrepreneurs in order to ensure a business-friendly environment and legislation. The Prime Minister acknowledged the formation of the Business Council and promised to support and promote cooperation among businesses of both countries.