The Ministers highly appreciated successful cooperation between Latvia and Uzbekistan that has developed over 25 years since the countries established their diplomatic relations. Constructive cooperation has been set up both on a bilateral basis and as part of relationship between the European Union and Uzbekistan.

Edgars Rinkēvičs emphasized that the Central Asian region is of priority importance for Latvia’s foreign policy. He expressed hope that the meeting of the Latvia-Uzbekistan Intergovernmental Committee to be held in Riga on 30 August will bring new impetus towards further development of business contacts.

Elyor Ganiev informed the Latvian officials about reforms launched by Uzbekistan in public administration and economy that will make it possible to improve the business and investment environment in the country. He also presented plans to increase the export of Uzbekistan’s goods to Europe using the transport and logistic facilities offered by Latvia.

Textile and pharmaceutical industries and the processing of agricultural products were mentioned as prospective areas for cooperation.

Minister Ganiev invited Latvian businessmen to make use of opportunities that Uzbekistan offers for developing cooperation in Central Asia. Edgars Rinkēvičs noted that flights from Tashkent to New York via Riga have a special role to play in promoting economic and tourism contacts and stressed that the good cooperation in that field should be continued. Both Ministers were unanimous on the need for the further development of direct air traffic between both capitals.

Referring to cooperation between Latvia and Uzbekistan in other sectors, Edgars Rinkēvičs made note of successful cooperation in education: there are more than 1000 students from Uzbekistan at Latvia’s higher education institutions making use of opportunities to receive education by the European Union standards.

The Ministers agreed to continue facilitating the political dialogue between Latvia and Uzbekistan.