On Tuesday, August 23, Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis held a meeting with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden. During the meeting, the officials discussed bilateral relations of the two countries, with particular emphasis on security issues and further expansion of bilateral economic cooperation.
M. Kučinskis pointed out that Latvia and the USA enjoy stable and successful economic relations with a potential to expand. It is a very positive development that the trade turnover in 2015 increased by nearly 23%.
Also the issues related to energy policy were discussed. The Prime Minister stressed that the strengthening of energy security, including diversification of energy supplies is Latvia's priority, and we see a potential for closer bilateral and regional cooperation with the USA.
The two officials shared the opinion that there are good opportunities for cooperation in the energy sector, taking into account that Latvia is currently implementing the liberalization of the gas market.
M. Kučinskis and J.Biden also discussed the issues relating to security in Latvia and the Baltic region as a whole. "We are satisfied with the results of the NATO summit, in particular with the decision to expand NATO's presence in the Baltic States and Poland. Now it is essential to put the decisions in practice," said M.Kučinskis.
The U.S. Vice President stressed that "the United States fully understands the nature of NATO's Article 5 and undertakes to fulfil it,” said J.Biden.
The United States is a strategic partner of Latvia and the U.S. contribution to strengthening the security of Latvia is seen as particularly important.
J.Biden also welcomed the reforms undertaken in Latvia in the fields of education and health, by pointing out that the stability in these areas is an integral part of each country's internal security.
Andrejs Vaivars
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister
Mob.: 29228678
E-mail: Andrejs.Vaivars@mk.gov.lv