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Political dialogue, economic ties focus of Belorussian FM's visit to Riga

Xinhua, July 8, 2016 Adjust font size:

Belorussian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei paid a working visit to Latvia this Wednesday and Thursday, with political dialogue and economic cooperation featuring high on his agenda.

Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics' talks with his Belorussian colleague focused on Latvia-Belarus cooperation and EU-Belarus relations, as well as regional affairs, the Latvian foreign ministry reported.

The ministers emphasized dialogue between their respective foreign ministries, as well as extensive cooperation in areas like business and border control, as well as cross-border, municipal, educational, scientific and cultural cooperation.

The officials voiced an intention to step up Latvia-Belarus ties by maintaining active political dialogue and expanding economic exchange, especially in transport.

During his stay in Riga, Makei also visited the Freeport of Riga.

Since the Belorussian foreign minister is also in charge of transport-related matters, his conversations with Latvian Transport Minister Uldis Augulis and representatives of the Freeport of Riga and Latvijas Dzelzcels national rail company dealt with the possibilities of increasing the shipping of oil products through Latvia.

Oil products are currently the main type of Belorussian cargo handled at Riga port, with timber accounting for the rest of cargo from Belarus. During the past three years, cargo from Belarus have accounted for seven percent of the port's total cargo turnover.

Makei's talks with Latvian Prime Minister Kucinskis also focused primarily on issues concerning cross-border cooperation, as well as political and business contacts.

Telling the Belorussian foreign minister about Latvia's efforts to attract cargo from China, the Latvian premier noted Latvia saw perspectives for cooperation with Belarus also in that context.

"We are also interested in developing three-way cooperation between Latvia, Belarus and China to ensure the shipping of Chinese cargo through Belarus and Latvia, which would also include cooperation in attracting cargo for the Belarus-China industrial park Great Stone," Kucinskis said. Endit