On Thursday 26 January, Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis met Prime Minister of Poland Beata Szydlo in Warsaw to discuss cooperation between Latvia and Poland, as well as emerging issues on the international stage.
Latvia and Poland enjoy excellent bilateral relations. The countries conduct an active political dialogue. At the same time, there is potential to expand economic cooperation.
During the meeting, the Prime Ministers discussed the current security policy issues, the EU issues, as well as common interest in developing the transport and infrastructure projects of the region.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the successful implementation of the "Rail Baltica" project within set deadlines is a common strategic interest of the three Baltic States and the wider region. That will benefit the people and businesses across the region, as well as contribute to integration of the Baltic States and the wider region into the European transport network, as well as will help to diversify the transit flow in the North-South direction. M. Kučinskis welcomed Poland's interest in the "Rail Baltica" project. He also informed the B.Szydlo that it is planned to sign the agreement of all three Baltic States on co-operation in the realisation of the "Rail Baltica" project already on 31 January, within the framework of the meeting of the Baltic prime ministers held in Tallinn (Estonia). That will be a historic event.
As regards energy issues, M. Kučinskis stressed the importance of continuing to develop regional gas and electricity markets, to strengthen energy security and build interconnections like GIPL and Balticconnector. The two Prime Ministers agreed that it is particularly important to continue work on the development of a regional (Baltic States and Finland) gas market.
The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for Poland's contribution to strengthening security in the Baltic States. Poland is also among Latvia's closest NATO partners - it has regularly contributed to the Air Policing mission in the Baltic States. Poland will send its armed forces to Latvia within the framework of Canada-led battalion, and together with the other Visegrad countries will send troops to short-term training.
As to the EU agenda, both M.Kučinskis and B.Szydlo agreed that the two countries should cooperate in the process of negotiations on the next EU multiannual budget. "The EU budget should retain the focus on the EU's internal development and convergence (cohesion and agriculture) also after 2020. These resources are essential for growth and benefit more than the so-called new EU Member States, "said M.Kučinskis.
Concerning the UK's decision to withdraw from the EU or Brexit, the two sides shared the view that both Latvia and Poland are interested in economically and politically powerful EU - it is important to maintain and develop the progress already achieved, including the single market, the Schengen area and free movement of persons and workers.
As announced, Prime Minister M. Kučinskis is paying a working visit to Warsaw – the capital city of Poland to meet President of the Council of Ministers Beata Szydlo and participate in the Latvian – Polish Business Forum.
Andrejs Vaivars
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister
Phone: 29228678
E-mail: Andrejs.Vaivars@mk.gov.lv