Lukashenko proposes to significantly expand cooperation between Belarus and Latvia

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko proposes to significantly expand cooperation between Belarus and Latvia. The Head of State announced this today at a meeting with Prime Minister of Latvia Krišjānis Kariņš, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.

Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that even during the Soviet Union era, the economic ties between the two countries were very strong, but much has been lost in recent years. "I am truly pleased to see you and your colleagues in Minsk. I sincerely hope that this is not a foreign city to you, just as the capital of our friendly Latvia is not foreign to me. Whatever the case, whatever we or others may say, we were once part of a large country. We had not just friendly, but close relations. Our economic ties were very strong," he noted. "We have lost a lot in recent years. But it is important not so much to look back as to turn our attention and gaze forward. And in this regard, many areas of cooperation between Belarus and Latvia have emerged."

"Unlike other Baltic states, the foundation for cooperation between our countries is good. I believe we need to take advantage of this moment and seriously expand our cooperation. Especially since we see great benefit from its expansion (if we talk about the economy) for both Latvia and Belarus," Alexander Lukashenko stressed.

The Head of State stated that the Belarusian side is seriously preparing for his visit to Latvia. "Thank you to all of you and your colleagues for the invitation to visit this friendly country. I view your visit to Minsk as a serious stage in preparing agreements that can be finally approved during my arrival in Riga," the Belarusian leader noted.

In general, the President expressed his readiness to answer any questions and invited the Prime Minister to frankly discuss all topics of interest. "We need to discuss all issues so that we proceed with cooperation with each other clearly, sincerely, and frankly. So that we do not blame each other later and do not overcome barriers that we might create if we do not agree or discuss certain problems today," the Belarusian leader said.

Trade turnover between Belarus and Latvia in 2018 amounted to $582.7 million, which is almost 33% more compared to the 2017 level. Exports - $485.6 million, imports - $97.1 million. In January-November 2019, trade turnover amounted to over $460 million, with exports of $377.5 million.

Export of services in 2018 amounted to $188.2 million, and based on the results of January-October last year - $136.6 million.

In 2018, investments from Latvia in the amount of $107.5 million were attracted to the economy of Belarus, including direct investments - $82.1 million. In January-September 2019 - $68 million, including $53.6 million of direct investments.

There are 585 enterprises with the participation of Latvian capital operating in the territory of Belarus in the fields of trade, services, woodworking, and pharmaceuticals. A bilateral intergovernmental commission on economic and scientific-technical cooperation, a business cooperation council, a mixed commission on international road transport, and a working group on transport are in operation.