Latvian leader says Uzbek-Latvian relations are long-term

He said that the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov visited Latvia in October 2013 and it serves as good foundation for further fruitful cooperation. The trade turnover is growing dynamically, but the figure does not satisfy sides.

Latvian leader recalled that Trade House of Uzbekistan was launched in Latvia on the initiative of the Uzbek President Islam Karimov and already Trade House signed contracts for over US$30 million. This is one example for untapped potential between two countries.

Andris Berzins said that Latvia focuses on developing and strengthening trustful and partnership relations with Uzbekistan based on mutual respect, taking into account interest of each other and supporting each other.

He said that at the high level negotiations in Tashkent the sides will exchange opinion on concrete issues, including international security, Afghanistan and transit.

Latvian President said that the sides worked hard and prepared several important document directed at expanding of cooperation. For example, the sides are planning to sign agreement on renewable resources.

Latvian President Andris Berzins affirmed interest of Latvia to further strengthen political and economic relations between Latvia and Uzbekistan. Latvia is ready actively implement projects in those spheres, in which there is demand for Latvian experience like agriculture, culture and other directions.

He said that Uzbekistan, in its turn, has experience, which would be interesting for Latvia. He expressed his assurance that the visit will help to receive new experience and impressions to develop ties between two states.

He said that he was not in Uzbekistan for a long time and he cannot imagine the country. He added that figures and facts of economic growth are impressive. Despite global crisis, Uzbekistan showed stable and good results in economic development.

Latvian President said that the EU plays and will play for further democratization of Uzbekistan. New documents in culture sector will give new stimulus to the relations.

Transit, new technologies, pharmaceuticals, food industry, timber processing and construction sectors are priority and actual directions of economic cooperation, the President said. Successful political dialogue, regional perspectives and mutual understanding will be motivate factors for expansion of cooperation. He said that Uzbekistan can continue to use transport and logistics infrastructure of Latvia to expand supply of Uzbek products to European markets.

Latvian President Andris Berzins said that he will visit Samarkand and participate in opening of the exhibition of Latvian painter. He said that cooperation ties between Samarkand and Jurmala will be big step forward.

Andris Berzins statedthat Uzbekistan is important partner for Latvia in Central Asia and the country recommended itself as reliable and responsible partner. He said that Latvia highly rates contribution of Uzbekistan to prosperity and peace in Central Asia. The relations of Latvia with Uzbekistan is for a long-time, he concluded.