OREANDA-NEWS. September 21, 2010. Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis held a meeting with President of Poland Bronislaw Komorowski during his working visit to Latvia to discuss both countries’ cooperation, the economic situation in Latvia, energy and current EU issues.

The Prime Minister highly recognized active bilateral relations which are based on common values and goals of both countries and historical cooperation, for example, regaining of independence of Latgale in 1919. The President of Poland expressed his gratitude for the continuous support of the Latvian Government to the loyal Polish community in Latvia. Both sides also expressed their determination to continue to support Polish schools in Latvia.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister informed the President of Poland about the economic situation in Latvia. He said that Latvia is implementing substantial structural reforms to develop a competitive and sustainable economy based on export and production. The Prime Minister informed that the increase in GDP in first two quarters of 2010 and increase in industrial production and export by 12.1% and 30.3%, respectively, are indicative of gradual stabilization of the economy in Latvia. Polish President Komorowski acknowledged that the exit from crisis and economic growth can be observed in Latvia.

V.Dombrovskis called for investments of Polish businesses in Latvia and particularly in Latgale region considering the historic ties of Poland with this region. Both parties agreed on the need to enhance the cooperation between local governments of Daugavpils and Rezekne and Polish local governments.

Both officials discussed the issues related to energy security. The Prime Minister expressed his hope for active involvement of Poland in implementation of energy projects to ensure diversification of energy supplies and ensure integration of the region into European transmission network. The officials discussed the progress in implementation of Visagina Nuclear Power Plant and other energy projects. The President of Poland informed about the involvement of Poland in research of acquisition of nitrogen gas.

Discussing the current issues of the EU, the Prime Minister emphasized that it is important to retain the initial objective of the cohesion policy – to eliminate economic and social disparities between the EU member states.

V.Dombrovskis stressed that in context of a common agricultural policy of the EU, both the fair direct payments for all farmers of the EU and rural development are of great importance.

Both sides also discussed bilateral relations of the EU and other countries of the region, including Belarus and Russia.