On 7 June 2021, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andris Pelšs, had a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Swiss Confederation, Konstantin Obolensky, who had arrived on a farewell visit.
The State Secretary underlined the close and long-standing cooperation between the two countries: in 2021, we celebrate a centenary since Switzerland recognised Latvia de jure and 30 years of the restoration of diplomatic relations. Taking note of the active dialogue and regular political consultations, both sides were in agreement about the need to strengthen business contacts with potential for cooperation in high technologies, especially biomedicine, artificial intelligence, research and development. Andris Pelšs highly appreciated good cooperation between Latvia and Switzerland in international organisations.
In a discussion on the relationship between the European Union and Switzerland, State Secretary Pelšs underlined the importance of Switzerland as an EU partner bilaterally as well as internationally and Latvia’s natural interest in maintaining close relations. While respecting Switzerland’s decision to terminate negotiation on the EU-Swiss Institutional Framework Agreement, the State Secretary expressed hope that a solution acceptable to both sides would be achieved, thereby facilitating further cooperation.
Andris Pelšs also thanked Switzerland for projects implemented with Swiss support and funding under the Latvian-Swiss Cooperation Programme and he confirmed Latvia’s interest in continued cooperation in the future.