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On Tuesday, 27 May, when meeting with Zhang Dejiang, Speaker of the National People’s Congress, during her official visit to China, Solvita Āboltiņa, Speaker of the Saeima, emphasised that active political dialogue and regular bilateral high-level visits between Latvia and China are the foundation for dynamic relations between the two countries, which are characterised by mutual trust and respect. 

“Our parliamentarians have always been interested in promoting relations and strengthening economic ties with China, and the fact that the China interparliamentary relations group is one of the largest in Latvia’s parliament is proof of that. Interparliamentary contacts have a special role in bilateral relations between countries because open exchange of opinions and ideas enables us learn more about each other’s history and traditions, thereby increasing mutual understanding,” the Speaker of the Saeima said when describing cooperation between the parliaments of both countries.

Speaker Āboltiņa emphasised that when Latvia assumes the presidency of the Council of the European Union next year, one of its foreign policy priorities during the presidency will be closer cooperation with Central Asian countries. Historically, Latvia has had good relations with this region, and it is truly interested in becoming a part of the New Silk Road initiative launched by the Chinese government. “I am convinced that this initiative will bring Asia and Europe closer and will open new opportunities for cooperation in transport and logistics. We appreciate China’s support in this area, and we are delighted that next week Riga will host a high-level conference devoted to transport, logistics and trade,” said the Speaker of the Saeima. 

When discussing economic cooperation, Speaker Āboltiņa stressed that Latvia is seeking to diversify its export markets and develop economic relations with other countries, especially with such a large market as China. “Latvia has overcome the financial crisis and has become one of the fastest growing economies in the European Union. Accession to the euro area has also given us additional advantages and stability. Trade volume is increasing, and we have been able to significantly increase our exports to China by nearly 80%. However, I believe that we can do even more by offering the Chinese market high-quality food products and medicines. We have created a very attractive investment environment, and we encourage Chinese entrepreneurs to take advantage of the benefits we offer, especially our ports and special economic zones,” the Speaker of the Saeima said to her Chinese counterpart.

During the meeting both officials also discussed cooperation in education, culture and science.

From 24 to 31 May, Solvita Āboltiņa, Speaker of the Saeima, is on an official visit to China, where she is scheduled to meet with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Shaanxi People’s Congress, and to take part in the opening of this year’s International Fair for Trade in Services.

During her visit the Speaker of the Saeima is also scheduled to meet with Li Keqiang, the Premier of China, as well as with the Latvian diaspora. The Latvian delegation also is visiting the Beijing Foreign Studies University and the Huawei Technologies company.

On her visit the Speaker of the Saeima is accompanied by Ojārs Ēriks Kalniņš, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Saeima; Dana Reizniece-Ozola, Chairperson of the Education, Culture and Science Committee of the Saeima; and Jānis Ozoliņš, Chairman of the Economic, Agricultural, Environmental and Regional Policy Committee of the Saeima.

Saeima Press Service