13/5/2004

Wales and the Republic of Latvia have united in an historic co-operation agreement within days of Latvia joining the European Union.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries has been signed by Wales’ First Minister Rhodri Morgan and Latvia’s Minister for the Economy Juris Lujans.

The agreement was signed at Tredegar House in Newport in the presence of Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga who also visited the National Assembly Building and Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay earlier in the day.

This is the first Memorandum of Understanding to be signed between Wales and a full EU Member State. Wales already has agreements with other European administrations at regional level including Silesia, Baden-Württemberg, Catalunya and Brittany. The decision to forge a link between the two countries follows the First Minister’s visit to Latvia in September 2003 where he led a trade mission of Welsh companies and met with Ministers, of the Latvian Government.

The Memorandum of Understanding also marks the accession of Latvia to the European Union and affirms the commitment of the two countries to working together through strengthening of institutional, economic, educational and cultural links.

It resolves to: Strengthen the friendship between the Republic of Latvia and Wales; Facilitate contact between Latvian and Welsh institutions; Reinforce economic, social and cultural co-operation between both countries; Develop exchanges of experience and information in areas of mutual interest – particularly in relation to wider EU issues; Explore the potential for taking forward a programme of joint projects particularly in tourism, business development and higher education; Encourage mutual trading and investment opportunities; Share and promote best practice in language planning between institutions that promote Latvian and the Welsh languages;

First Minister Rhodri Morgan said: "The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding is an important milestone for both countries. It is both a celebration of the accession of the Republic of Latvia to the European Union and a reflection of Wales’ growing stature in Europe. It underpins the warm relations we have with Latvia and provides the foundation for us to work closely together in the future.

"Wales and Latvia have a wealth of experience to share – for example our experience of devolution of government, managing European structural funds and encouraging our own native languages and musical culture to flourish. Enlargement offers the opportunity to share these experiences between the western and eastern margins of the new European Union.

"Working in partnership, we can all look forward to meeting the challenges and enjoying the benefits the new Europe can bring. Both countries will emerge stronger through our new friendship."

SOME FACTS ABOUT LATVIA

Population - 2.42 million

Capital City - Riga (population 874,100)

Language - Latvian, Russian, ethnic languages

Government - Parliamentary democracy

Major industries - Motor vehicles, machinery, oil transit, household appliances, pharmaceuticals, food, textiles, agriculture

Source:	National Assembly for Wales
	Web Link