Prime Minister of Ukraine met with the Speaker of the Saeima of Latvia

The Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and the Speaker of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia Ināra Mūrniece discussed the development of bilateral cooperation and strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. The meeting took place on May 18 as part of a working visit of the Latvian delegation to Ukraine.

According to the Prime Minister, the joint visits of the authorities of the Republic of Latvia to Ukraine, as well as speeches in support of multilateral international events, were clear signals of solidarity with our country against the background of a significant escalation of aggression by the Russian Federation on Ukraine's eastern border.

Denys Shmyhal and Ināra Mūrniece raised the issue of counteracting to COVID-19. The Prime Minister of Ukraine noted that this challenge can be effectively addressed only in synergy and joining efforts of the international community.

"In this regard, I thank Latvia for its support in assisting the Eastern Partnership countries, in particular, Ukraine in obtaining a coronavirus vaccine. It is important to further promote the fair distribution of vaccines within international initiatives," said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister stressed that despite the pandemic, Ukraine continues to introduce reforms, including judicial, educational and land reforms.

"The Government is also continuing decentralization reform. More and more communities are becoming more sustainable and rich, improving their living space and services. We are interested in building powerful regions across the country," the Prime Minister stressed.

In addition, the parties discussed the development of trade and economic relations. Denys Shmyhal noted that Ukraine and Latvia have great prospects for dynamic development in this direction, and the volume of bilateral trade in goods as of March 1, 2021, amounted to USD 58.5 million.

"I assure you that these figures can be increased at least twice year after year," said the Prime Minister.

Apart from that, Denys Shmyhal praised the resumption of work in Ukraine of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) and stressed that the activities of the mission contribute to improving trade cooperation and implementation of projects to increase joint production capacity.

Cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Latvia is expanding at the level of business circles, said the Prime Minister: "We also invite Latvian business to take an active part in business and exhibition events held in Ukraine."

The Head of Government thanked Latvia for its principled support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. And also - for confirmation of participation of the President of the Republic of Latvia Egils Levits in the Inaugural summit of the Crimean Platform.

"It is of paramount importance for Ukraine to consolidate international efforts to achieve the strategic goal - the deoccupation of Crimea," the Prime Minister stressed.

For her part, Ināra Mūrniece noted that Latvia will assist Ukraine in pursuing the reforms and will continue to support Ukraine's purposeful integration into the European Union and NATO.