17.01.2013, 05:27
President of Latvia Welcomes Lithuanian PM on First Foreign Visit
OREANDA-NEWS. January 17, 2013. Latvian President Andris Berzins met with Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevicius to talk about the dynamics of bilateral relations, co-operation in the area of transport and energy projects, as well as the two countries’ position vis-a-vis the European Union’s multiyear budget for 2014-2020.
At the beginning of the meeting, the President said that he is proud of the fact that Mr Butkevicius chose Latvia as the destination for his first foreign visit, thus pointing to good foundations for the neighbourly relationship, as well as diverse and constructive co-operation. He also pointed to the great potential which exists in terms of expanding and deepening the mutual partnership. President Berzins particularly insisted that both countries must have the same position when it comes to Baltic interests in relation to the EU’s next multiyear budget.
In discussing economic co-operation between the two countries, the President said that Lithuania is of great importance as Latvia’s leading trade partner, noting opportunities to expand co-operation and investment project opportunities, including the issue of regional projects. The two officials also discussed more than 100 transfrontier projects which have been successfully launched, also agreeing that there must be more intensive dialogue in the areas of education and science so that the two countries can take advantage of each other’s opportunities.
Prime Minister Butkevicius briefly talked about his priorities in office, saying that the most important ones include moving toward a welfare state, building a liquefied gas terminal in Klaipeda, reviewing the state’s energy strategy, and taking a fundamentally important decision on the possible construction of a nuclear power plant at Visaginas. He also said that the Rail Baltica project is of great importance. The Prime Minister congratulated Latvia on its increasing economic indicators and its movement toward the euro zone: “Latvia’s accession to the euro zone is an historic step, and Lithuania fully supports this process,” he said. In discussing expanded co-operation at the political level, Mr Butkevicius suggested that joint Cabinet of Ministers meetings be held at least once a year so as to talk about essential issues and their possible solutions. He also said that Lithuania plans to complete work on the gas terminal at Klaipeda in 2014, calling on Latvia to think about co-operation in relation to that project.
In continuing the discussion of energy issues, President Berzins called on Lithuania to take a decision on the Visaginas plant as soon as possible so that its partner countries can plan their long-term energy policies. He also argued that each project must be evaluated on the basis of long-term gains and possible losses, because seemingly disadvantageous solutions may, over the course of time, prove to be of importance for the development of the entire region. An example, the President said, is the rail line between Renge, Mazeiki and Vainode.
President Berzins also reaffirmed that Lithuania is one of Latvia’s main partners not juts in terms of regional policies, but also under the framework of the European Union and NATO. He said that despite the fact that the two countries sometimes have different viewpoints about various issues, they regularly and active work together on a bilateral basis and in the context of international organisations.
At the conclusion of their meeting, both officials agreed that both sides must do everything possible to expand bilateral relations between the two countries as much as possible.
At the beginning of the meeting, the President said that he is proud of the fact that Mr Butkevicius chose Latvia as the destination for his first foreign visit, thus pointing to good foundations for the neighbourly relationship, as well as diverse and constructive co-operation. He also pointed to the great potential which exists in terms of expanding and deepening the mutual partnership. President Berzins particularly insisted that both countries must have the same position when it comes to Baltic interests in relation to the EU’s next multiyear budget.
In discussing economic co-operation between the two countries, the President said that Lithuania is of great importance as Latvia’s leading trade partner, noting opportunities to expand co-operation and investment project opportunities, including the issue of regional projects. The two officials also discussed more than 100 transfrontier projects which have been successfully launched, also agreeing that there must be more intensive dialogue in the areas of education and science so that the two countries can take advantage of each other’s opportunities.
Prime Minister Butkevicius briefly talked about his priorities in office, saying that the most important ones include moving toward a welfare state, building a liquefied gas terminal in Klaipeda, reviewing the state’s energy strategy, and taking a fundamentally important decision on the possible construction of a nuclear power plant at Visaginas. He also said that the Rail Baltica project is of great importance. The Prime Minister congratulated Latvia on its increasing economic indicators and its movement toward the euro zone: “Latvia’s accession to the euro zone is an historic step, and Lithuania fully supports this process,” he said. In discussing expanded co-operation at the political level, Mr Butkevicius suggested that joint Cabinet of Ministers meetings be held at least once a year so as to talk about essential issues and their possible solutions. He also said that Lithuania plans to complete work on the gas terminal at Klaipeda in 2014, calling on Latvia to think about co-operation in relation to that project.
In continuing the discussion of energy issues, President Berzins called on Lithuania to take a decision on the Visaginas plant as soon as possible so that its partner countries can plan their long-term energy policies. He also argued that each project must be evaluated on the basis of long-term gains and possible losses, because seemingly disadvantageous solutions may, over the course of time, prove to be of importance for the development of the entire region. An example, the President said, is the rail line between Renge, Mazeiki and Vainode.
President Berzins also reaffirmed that Lithuania is one of Latvia’s main partners not juts in terms of regional policies, but also under the framework of the European Union and NATO. He said that despite the fact that the two countries sometimes have different viewpoints about various issues, they regularly and active work together on a bilateral basis and in the context of international organisations.
At the conclusion of their meeting, both officials agreed that both sides must do everything possible to expand bilateral relations between the two countries as much as possible.
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