Baltic States – CIS, Energy, Latvia

Ivars Godmanis.

Godmanis pointed to the need to create new energy network links to ensure additional power capacities; these plans could be reviewed in the context of the pending energy link between the Baltic States and Sweden.

Sidorsky in turn informed about Belarus' plans to construct a new nuclear power plant by 2016, which would be another reason for the development of an interconnected energy network.

The officials also discussed current bilateral economic cooperation issues in such areas as transit and transport, energy, manufacturing, trade and cross-border cooperation.

The Belarus premier underlined the importance of the cooperation between the two countries at a time of global economic crisis, as well as the importance of the neighbor countries' policies in stabilization of Belarus economy.

Godmanis in his turn expressed appreciation of the fact that Latvia and Belarus have developed active economic cooperation, and underlined the need to ensure mutual investment protection; he also praised the economic growth of Belarus.

The prime minister of Latvia also emphasized that transit sector was crucial for the development of Latvia's economy as it has not experienced any contraction, contrary to other national economy sectors.

Transport Minister Ainars Slesers (Latvia's First Party/Latvia's Way) and Economy Minister Kaspars Gerhards (For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK), who accompany the prime minister on the visit to Belarus, also drew attention to the recently increased number of direct flights on the Riga-Minsk route, which make Belarus more accessible not only to residents of Latvia but also Scandinavian travelers.

Gerhards underlined the successful cooperation between Latvia and Belarus in the sector of tourism.

During the visit, Godmanis also saw the Minsk Automobile Plant, the "Arena Minsk" sports complex and the Belarus National Library.

Today Godmanis continues the working visit to Belarus, today his agenda includes a meeting with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko; officials from both countries will also take part in a business forum where entrepreneurs of Latvia and Belarus will meet with the purpose to establish new business contacts.

Godmanis will return to Latvia tonight.