OREANDA-NEWS. September 16, 2009. Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Georgia, Nika Gilauri during his official visit to Latvia.

During the visit, the heads of Governments recognized the development of political relations of Latvia and Georgia in both, bilateral and multilateral co-operation forms. N.Gilauri expressed gratitude to the Government and the people of Latvia for the support during the conflict of Georgia and Russia, as well as for the support to Georgia in its efforts to develop closer relations with the European Union.

Both, V.Dombrovskis and N.Gilauri shared the similar opinion on the necessity to foster economic relations among entrepreneurs of both countries. The heads of Governments were convinced that this visit will give an impetus for the development of co-operation projects and increase in mutual investments. The first meeting of the Inter-governmental Commission on Economic, Industrial, Scientific and Technical Cooperation is taking place within the framework of the visit, as well as business forum attended by 59 Latvian and 14 Georgian companies.

The sides discussed the co-operation of Georgia and the European Union, the initiative of Eastern Partnership, sharing Latvia’s experience in the area of reforms, as well as the development aid to Georgia. V.Dombrovskis admitted that Georgia is one of the priority countries for Latvia within the context of development co-operation. Latvia will continue to support closer relations of Georgia and European Union the most important stage being - start-up of negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement. N.Gilauri informed that in August, 2009, the negotiations on the EU-Georgia visa alleviations were successfully closed, thus facilitating the movement. The Prime Ministers discussed also the co-operation of the countries within the framework of international organizations.

V.Dombrovskis and N.Gilauri discussed the situation with regard to security in Georgia. N.Gilauri expressed the gratitude for the decision to prolong the activities of the European Union Observers’ Mission in Georgia, because it is the only mission currently staying in Georgia. V.Dombrovskis noted that Latvia will retain its mission within the framework of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia.

During the meeting the sides discussed also the energy security issues, including the possible implementation of projects within the framework of the Eastern Partnership of the European Union.