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Solvita Aboltina and Islam Karimov. Riga, 17.10.2013. Photo: saeima.lv

The development of Latvian-Uzbek relations has been very successful for the past twenty years, said Aboltina, emphasizing that Latvia had a high opinion Uzbekistan's important role in the region, it being a reliable ally and security guarantee in Central Asia.

Aboltina also said that the relations between Latvian and Uzbek parliaments were very active and contributing to the economic cooperation. Last year, a Saeima delegation headed by Deputy Chairman Andrejs Klementjevs and a business delegation visited Uzbekistan, LETA learned from Saeima Press Service.

At the same time, Aboltina confirmed that Saeima, as the parliament of a European Union member state, was prepared to share its experience of reforms.

Aboltina praised the increasing Latvian-Uzbek trade and investment volumes. The officials also discussed cooperation prospects in various areas, including in tourism.

Aboltina and Karimov both said they were pleased at the two countries' successful cooperation in education. "We are truly pleased at the large number of Uzbek students in Latvia's universities and colleges," stressed Aboltina, saying that Latvia could offer Uzbek students the opportunity to obtain EU-level education, including in such areas as medicine, transport and finance.

Aboltina informed Karimov that several important events were planned in Latvia. In 2014, Riga will be the European Capital of Culture, and Aboltina said Uzbekistan's residents were welcome to visit Latvia next year. Whereas in 2015, Latvia will for the first time hold the EU Council presidency. Consolidating relations with Central Asia region countries will be high on Latvia's foreign policy agenda, said Aboltina, adding she hoped that Uzbekistan would play an important role in this cooperation as the most stable country in the region.