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“Latvia and Turkey have developed versatile bilateral relations, which are reflected by a frequent exchange of high-level visits, growing mutual trade, as well as good cooperation in education and culture. I am sure that this visit will significantly contribute to our bilateral political dialogue and encourage a more dynamic cooperation between our entrepreneurs,” Solvita Āboltiņa, Speaker of the Saeima, stressed on Tuesday, 2 April, when meeting in the main building of the Saeima with the President of the Republic of Turkey Abdullah Gül.

Āboltiņa expressed her gratitude to Turkey for refusing to recognise the occupation of Latvia and supporting us on our path to NATO. Although Latvia has been a member state of the European Union (EU) and the NATO for nine years, we still highly appreciate support and understanding from other countries. “On behalf of Latvia, I once again want to express consistent support for expanding the EU” said the Speaker of the Saeima.

The Speaker acknowledged the interest to strengthen cooperation between the parliaments of both countries by means of regular communication on all levels, and said that groups for interparliamentary relations established in both parliaments indicate a trend towards fulfilling this objective.

When discussing economic cooperation between the countries, Āboltiņa underlined that Turkey is an important trade partner for Latvia and in some sectors cooperation could be strengthened even further, creating a mutually beneficial situation. “I am glad that over the last years, trade with Turkey has been growing steadily; moreover, the trade volume increased by one third in the previous year”, said the Speaker of the Saeima. Āboltiņa continued that in recent years Latvian tourists have often chosen Turkey as their destination and vice versa; therefore, tourism might contribute to strengthening mutual contacts between entrepreneurs of both countries.

Solvita Āboltiņa informed the President of Turkey on two strategic goals of Latvia, namely, adoption of the euro next January and accession to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). “One of the top priorities of Latvia’s foreign policy is to join this organisation. We hope that a compromise on further expansion of the OECD will be reached already in May” stressed Āboltiņa and expressed her gratitude to Turkey for supporting Latvia’s membership in the OECD.

Latvia and Turkey share a fruitful cooperation in culture and education as well. “Cooperation in education and culture is essential, because the impressions one experiences at cultural events last forever,” said the Speaker of the Saeima and informed the President of Turkey that six Latvian universities have established cooperation with 26 universities in Turkey and the total number of Turkish students in Latvian universities exceeds 100.

Photos from the meeting are available at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/saeima/sets/72157633149886288/
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMWCFu1rXEQ
When using the material, please give credit to the Saeima Chancellery.


Saeima Press Service