Economics, EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Legislation, Markets and Companies

Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah and Edgars Rinkevics. Riga, 23.01.2015. Photo: flickr.com

During the meeting, the foreign minister of Qatar congratulated Latvia on its Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) and spoke about promoting bilateral relations between Latvia and Qatar. Rinkevics emphasized Latvia’s interest in intensifying bilateral economic and political cooperation.

The minister said that expanding of the legal framework for cooperation would be one of the ways to enhance bilateral relations. In September of 2014, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Rinkevics and Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce of the State of Qatar, signed a Convention between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the State of Qatar for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income. Future plans include agreements on economic cooperation as well as cooperation in the agricultural and food sector.

The two sides also addressed regional issues – the fight against terrorism, and the developments in Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Libya, and Ukraine. Foreign Minister Rinkevics noted, referring to the events in France, that the threat of terrorism is also on the rise in Europe. The Latvian foreign minister highlighted the need to ensure a closer cooperation between the EU and the Gulf States to counter “foreign fighters” and sources of terrorist funding.

Rinkevics also indicated that during its EU Presidency, Latvia will be seeking a peaceful and sustainable solution to the conflict in Ukraine and facilitating the political processes. The foreign minister of Qatar expressed concern at the political, security and humanitarian situation in Yemen and emphasized the importance of cooperation in fighting terrorism.

Diplomatic relations between Latvia and Qatar was established on December 10, 1996.