Belarus is interested in strengthening relations with Latvia in all areas - Makei
Belarus is interested in strengthening relations with Latvia in all areas. This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, Vladimir Makei, today at a meeting in Vitebsk with the head of the Latvian Foreign Ministry, Edgars Rinkēvičs, a BELTA correspondent reports.
"We are connected by close human ties, trade and economic relations, and, of course, we aim to further strengthen relations in all areas," said Vladimir Makei.
According to the Belarusian minister, during a one-on-one meeting with Edgars Rinkēvičs, issues concerning both bilateral cooperation and Belarus's relations with the European Union were discussed. "I think there are many points of convergence on which we can work," noted the head of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry.
Vladimir Makei emphasized that despite the positive dynamics in the development of trade and economic ties, the potential of Belarus and Latvia in this area is far from exhausted. "There are a number of proposals that are being worked out and will be beneficial to both sides," he said. The Belarusian Foreign Minister also expressed hope that the visit of the Latvian minister would give new impetus to the development of cooperation between the two countries in the trade and economic, political, humanitarian, and other spheres.
In turn, Edgars Rinkēvičs also noted the presence of positive trends in bilateral economic cooperation. "We must look for points of convergence where we can conduct a dialogue," the minister said.
In addition, Edgars Rinkēvičs specifically noted the fact that the current meeting took place in Vitebsk. According to him, interregional relations between Belarus and Latvia are very close, and there are many promising areas for their development.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia positively assessed the results of the practical implementation of the agreement on a simplified procedure for mutual travel of residents of border areas. Nevertheless, he believes that there are still additional opportunities to facilitate bureaucratic processes in this matter.
The Republic of Latvia is an important economic partner of the Republic of Belarus. In 2012, Latvia ranked 5th in terms of trade turnover and 4th in terms of export volume among the countries with which Belarus conducts foreign trade.
In 2012, compared to 2011, the volume of mutual trade with Latvia increased by 4.6% and amounted to $3425.1 million, exports increased by 4.1% to $3279.9 million, imports - by 18.1% to $145.2 million. The foreign trade balance is positive for Belarus ($3134.7 million). The basis of Belarusian exports is products of the petrochemical industry, metallurgy, machine building, agriculture and forestry, and the food industry. From Latvia, mainly medicines, fish, fabrics, knitwear, cement, engines and power plants, metal structures are imported.
In 2012, the volume of investments from Latvia exceeded the level of 2011 (108.2%) and amounted to $129.3 million, including direct investments - $68.2 million (110%), of which direct investments on a net basis - $25.7 million (88.7%).
As of January 31, 2013, 373 enterprises with Latvian capital (in 2011 - 297) and 27 representative offices of Latvian enterprises were registered in Belarus (in Latvia, respectively, 1123 enterprises with Belarusian capital and 15 representative offices of Belarusian economic entities).
From December 6 to 9, 2012, the IX National Exhibition of the Republic of Belarus in the Republic of Latvia and the Sixth Belarusian-Latvian Investment Forum "Baltic Region-2012" were held in Riga.