Georgia, Tbilisi, May 30 / Trend N.Kirtzkhalia /
Latvia and Georgia have great potential for economic cooperation, President of Latvia Andris Berzins told reporters on Tuesday after a meeting with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, the administration of the President of Georgia said.
"This is the third visit of the Georgian president to Riga and it clearly shows that relations between the two countries are developing at the highest level. Latvia supported and will continue to support Georgia on the way to the European Union and help facilitate its entry into NATO," Berzins said.
He noted that political cooperation is also a good basis for development and economic partnership.
"This long term active cooperation is a good basis to begin active economic cooperation between our countries. In the current situation of uncertainty in the world and in Europe for each country, and especially those which are small and export oriented, it's very important to have new partners, to develop new territories, regions and countries and to strengthen existing contacts. I am convinced that the potential of both countries is much higher than the current level of economic cooperation," Berzins said.
He expressed the hope that the Georgian delegation which included a large group of entrepreneurs, will contribute to strengthen existing business contacts and the creation of new ones.
The Georgian president on his part said that despite the occupation, Georgia is actively pursuing "major reforms".
"We are a very stable place where, according to international parameters, you can invest. We are also one of the countries that is most actively trying to reduce the bureaucratic process and have one of the lowest levels of corruption in Europe being almost zero. The situation is even better than in some Scandinavian countries. Despite all the challenges that we face, our economy is developing very well," he said.
Saakashvili called Georgia an attractive country for tourists. "Our region or country is very attractive for the residents of such countries as Ukraine, Mongolia and others. The number of tourists continues to grow," Saakashvili said, noting that he would like the number of tourists from Latvia to increase.
He expressed the hope that the visit of the Georgian delegation to Latvia will contribute to the improvement of bilateral relations and economic cooperation.
Saakashvili said that Latvia is an example for Georgia, as it is a member of the EU and NATO.