On Tuesday 3 July, Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis met with Sergio Matarella, President of Italy in Rīga.
During the meeting, the officials discussed co-operation between the two countries, the co-operation between Latvia and Italy as NATO’s allies in strengthening security, as well as current issues on the agenda of the European Union.
M. Kučinskis expressed his satisfaction with Italy's contribution to the strengthening of security of Latvia and the Baltic region - the Italian mechanized infantry Company with armoured vehicles and about 160 soldiers make a significant contribution to the Canadian-led NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup in Latvia. Italy also regularly participates in NATO's air space patrolling in the Baltic States.
As regards the situation in Europe, M. Kučinskis welcomed the agreement reached at the European Council in June on relevant matters such as migration, deepening of the euro area, security and defence policy, foreign trade, relations with Russia.
"The European Union (EU) and its future play an important role for Latvia. We are interested in a politically stable and economically strong EU. We are ready to be at the centre of discussions and evaluate different ideas," said M. Kučinskis.
Both sides agreed that migration-related issues need to be further addressed. In 2017, Latvia has ensured the participation of 300 border guards in the joint operations of FRONTEX, as well as has made contributions to the UN programs and EU funds.
“We must definitely agree on migration issues, we need to find a solution, or else our people will not understand," said M. Kučinskis.
With regard to the EU issues, the Prime Minister expressed his dissatisfaction with the draft multiannual EU budget, stressing that it does not promote the levelling out of the living standards within the EU.
“We want the cohesion funding to be concentrated in less developed regions. In contrast, the common agricultural policy must ensure fair competition among the EU farmers," said M.Kučinskis. He also highlighted the need for a more flexible option for the allocation of funding. "I fully support the rigorous planning of budget expenditures while considering that there must be flexibility in implementing various reforms," said the Prime Minister.
During the talks, it was also recognized that the unity in the EU is crucial in the present difficult international and security situation.
The Prime Minister met with Sergio Matarella, President of Italy within the framework of his state visit.
Andrejs Vaivars
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister
Mob.: 29228678
E-mail: Andrejs.Vaivars@mk.gov.lv