OREANDA-NEWS. August 16, 2010. Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis, at his meeting with Dr. Klaus Burkhardt, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Latvia, during his introductory visit, emphasised that it is important to promote economic relations of Latvia and Germany.

The Latvian Prime Minister acknowledged interest of German companies in investments in Latvia and urged to foster even more active involvement of German investors by organising bilateral business delegations. The Prime Minister noted that the most perspective areas for economic cooperation and investments are transit and logistics, production, tourism, energy resources and renewable resources, and IT&T. The German Ambassador recognised the high cooperation potential of the Latvian and German business sectors in the area of energy resources in view of Germany's experience and performance in implementation of renewable energy projects.

The Latvian Prime Minister and the German Ambassador to Latvia also discussed some security policy issues. Dr. Klaus Burkhardt acknowledged Latvia's involvement in the development of the NATO Strategic Concept Paper. The Prime Minister noted that this Concept Paper will strengthen Alliance's political unity and capacity.

Both sides discussed EU's relation and bilateral relations with Russia. The Latvian Prime Minister noted that Latvia is further undertaking pragmatic political dialogue and bilateral cooperation with Russia. The Latvian Government is actively working on several cooperation agreements in such areas as tourism, prevention of emergencies and threats, combat of organised crimes and simplification of the border crossing procedures for people residing in border areas, as well as on the convention on avoidance of double taxation. The Prime Minister informed that several agreements will be signed during the visit of Latvia's President to Russia scheduled this year. The officials also discussed provision of assistance to Russia in eliminating the consequences of fires. The Latvian Prime Minister informed that Latvia has delivered two fully equipped vehicles with tanks and 12 men personnel of the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD).

At the end of this introductory visit Prime Minister Dombrovskis wished the new Ambassador productive and successful work in strengthening relations of both countries.