The key aspects of cooperation aimed at bringing the Kazakh-Latvian relations to a new level were discussed at the meeting. The sides also discussed ways to broaden trade, economic and transport and transit cooperation between the two countries.
President Nursultan Nazarbayev stressed that Kazakhstan considers Latvia as an important partner in the Baltic States.
“Your visit is of great importance for promoting relations between out countries. Latvia is on the threshold of joining the European Union and Kazakhstan shows interest in regard to processes taking place in the EU. I believe out talks will be fruitful and the business forums will positively influence the business contacts of the two countries,” the President of Kazakhstan said.
President Andris Berzins underlined interest of Latvia’s business circles in cooperation with Kazakh businessmen.
Giving a speech at the joint press conference, President Nazarbayev stressed that relationship between Kazakhstan and Latvia is distinguished by systemic development.
“Today the bilateral political dialogue between our countries is characterized by activity and trust. We established close relations at the level of parliaments and governments, ministries and agencies, business and scientific circles. The cooperation between our countries is being expanding with the course of time,” Nursultan Nazarbayev highlighted.
The President of Kazakhstan emphasized that our countries share not only political and economic ties but also a common history.
The President of Latvia expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to visit Kazakhstan and noted that this visit is aimed at development of the two countries.
“Latvia considers Kazakhstan as a most important partner in Central Asia. Over the past two decades, your country has achieved a lot, both in economic development and in other areas, and enhanced its international influence and authority. The opportunity to host the world exhibition EXPO-2017 in Astana is a bright confirmation of this fact,” Andris Berzins stressed.
The Latvian President emphasized the importance of opening the monument to Latvians - victims of political repression in the Karaganda region which will serve as a factor to further strengthen bilateral relations.
“We remember your visit to Latvia in 2006 and invite you to visit our country at any convenient time. Taking into account that Riga will be the 2014 European Capital of Culture, mutual exchange will be useful for our countries. Moreover, the agreements in the field of education and science that we have signed today are extremely important for our countries. We intend to further deepen political cooperation within the framework of the dialogue between the European Union and Kazakhstan. We support the aspiration of Kazakhstan to join the WTO and hope that this year the country will become a member of this organization. Importance was given to discussion of regional security issues, particularly the situation in Afghanistan,” Andris Berzins highlighted.
