Georgia, Latvia intensify economic relations

Georgia and Latvia are tightening their economic ties which will see Tbilisi host a Georgia-Latvia Inter-Governmental Economic Commission meeting in December.

The meeting was announced by Georgia’s Foreign Minister, Vice Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili as he hosted Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics in Tbilisi today.

"I wish to thank Latvia on behalf of the Georgian people for the support we are receiving from Latvia in this critically important period when Georgia is forming its new history together with Europe,” Kvirikashvili said at the joint press conference following the meeting with his Latvian counterpart.

The two Ministers underlined the relations between Latvia and Georgia had been developing in a "very fruitful and successful cooperation”. They underscored the existing trade-economic potential should be utilised to its full potential and the upcoming session of the Inter-Governmental Economic Commission and the intensified business contacts would facilitate this process.

The officials also discussed political relations at today’s meeting.

Kvirikashvili emphasised that the Latvian Foreign Minister fully accepted the Georgian Government’s strategy to build confidence between Georgians and the Abkhazian and Ossetian communities.

"During the meeting we spoke about the strategy and projects that our Government is carrying out towards building confidence between Georgians and Abkhazians and between Georgians and Ossetians. I am glad that our partners fully agree with our strategy,” he said.

Discussions also focused on the 2016 NATO Summit in Warsaw and on Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration. It was noted Georgia had made "great progress” as it implemented the existing instruments of cooperation, including the NATO-Georgia Substantial Package.

In the framework of Rinkevics’ visit to Georgia, the Latvian official will meet President Giorgi Margvelashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Speaker of Parliament David Usupashvili.

The Latvian Minister will pay tribute to the memory of those who died for the unity of Georgia and visit a kindergarten in Ditsi village along the occupation line, which was equipped using finances by the Government of Latvia.

Additionally, Kvirikashvili and Rinkevics will attend a reception dedicated to Latvia’s National Day.