Berzins thanks Turkey for supporting Latvia’s Euro-Atlantic integration

In his address during yesterday’s official dinner in honor of visiting Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Latvian President Andris Berzins thanked Turkey for supporting Latvia’s Euro-Atlantic integration after the restoration of Latvia’s independence, the Presidential Press Service informed LETA.

“We will always remember that Turkey never recognized Latvia’s incorporation into the Soviet Union. We are also most thankful for your support for Latvia’s Euro-Atlantic integration after the restoration of our country’s independence. Today, too, we feel Turkey’s friendship as it takes part in the Air Policing Mission of the Baltic airspace,” said Berzins.

“Our country, in turn, firmly supports Turkey’s integration into the European Union. I am certain that the enlargement of the European Union offers the best response to the challenges that are created by globalization and the financial crisis,” added Berzins.

“Our excellent bilateral relations also involve intense economic partnerships. Trade turnover between our countries has quintupled over the past five years, and this shows mutual interest and profitability of our entrepreneurs and sustainable business contacts,” explained the Latvian president.

“Several major Turkish companies are already present in Latvia. “Gama Holding” is reconstructing the Riga second thermoelectric power station, while “Havas” provides land services at the Riga International Airport. I hope that other leading Turkish companies will follow their example and that small and medium entrepreneurs, too, will be increasingly interested in developing their projects in Latvia,” pointed out Berzins.

“Political dialogue and economic statistics, however, are not the only indicators of our relationship. The people of our countries are drawing closer together in a variety of areas. This is seen in an increasing number of exchange students and in intensified cooperation among our universities. Turkey’s hospitality, millennia of cultural heritage and lovely environment have attracted tourists from Latvia for many years,” emphasized the Latvian president.