On 21 February 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, welcomed the German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Peter Altmaier, for a discussion on bilateral relations between Latvia and Germany, including political dialogue and business cooperation, as well as European Union related issues. Peter Altmaier introduced Latvia to the priorities of the German Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Germany is a strategically important partner to Latvia in economic cooperation; therefore, we are open to an even broader cooperation, and especially to German investments in Latvia. We see good prospects for expanding our contacts in energy and information technologies, Edgars Rinkēvičs underlined. He expressed conviction that science and research have a major role to play in promoting the “green” economy.
The Ministers also shared opinions on the negotiations concerning the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework for the next period, the upcoming Conference on the Future of Europe, and the EU Eastern Partnership Policy. The parties exchanged views on the Nord Stream 2 project.
The Latvian Foreign Minister noted that Rail Baltica is a cross-border project important for Europe as a whole; therefore, it is important that Germany support sufficient funding for the project under the new Multiannual Financial Framework. The experience of German companies is welcome at all the stages of the project, stressed the Minister.
At the meeting, Edgars Rinkēvičs thanked Germany for its vital contribution to the strengthening of the Baltic region’s security.