Vitebsk was visited for the first time with an official visit by the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the Republic of Belarus, Mārtiņš Virsis
Within the framework of this trip, a meeting was held between the head of the Latvian diplomatic mission and the head of the consular department of the Embassy of Latvia in Vitebsk, Uģis Skuja, and the Chairman of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee, Viktor Nikolaikin, as well as his deputies.
Welcoming the guests, Viktor Nikolaikin emphasized that the residents of Vitebsk are always happy to welcome friends and partners both on weekdays and during major international festivals, such as "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk," the festival of modern choreography, and others.
Vitebsk has two twin cities in Latvia – Rēzekne and Daugavpils, with which strong ties have been established in economics, tourism, and culture. Contacts have been made between the city administrations, and partnerships are maintained between teams and organizations.
The foreign trade turnover between Vitebsk and Latvia is growing. In 2014, it amounted to 23.4 million dollars (growth rate compared to 2013 was 135 percent). This trend continues this year.
Currently, 19 organizations with Latvian capital are registered and operating in Vitebsk.
Viktor Nikolaikin also noted that thanks to Latvian friends, a joint project was implemented with the involvement of an EU grant – a summer stage was erected in the park named after the Soviet Army, and concerts by creative groups were held.
The Consulate of Latvia in Vitebsk has always provided great support in carrying out joint projects.
Expressing gratitude for the reception, the Ambassador of Latvia to Belarus, Mārtiņš Virsis, characterized the bilateral relations between Latvia and Belarus as constructive in various spheres – from political dialogue to cultural and educational projects. He expressed satisfaction with the work of the border services of both countries in terms of the established system of simplified border crossing and the development of twin-city cooperation. Mārtiņš Virsis noted that Latvia is interested in a broader use of Latvian seaports by the Belarusian side, and in stronger and more prominent economic contacts and business projects. The dialogue took place in a friendly atmosphere.
Nataliya Krupitsa, "Vitbichi". Photos by Oleg Klimovich.