Third meeting of Latvia and Russia Intergovernmental Commission concluded with concrete decisions [29 Jul 2009]

On 29 July, the third meeting of the Latvia-Russia Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) was concluded, after reviewing a number of live issues in the field of economics, transport and transit, displaced heritage values, and launching the work of the Latvia and Russia Joint Demarcation Commission.

The co-chairmen of the IGC – the Minister of Economy of Latvia, Artis Kampars, and the Minister of Transport of Russia, Igor Levitin – recognised that the meeting takes place against the background of the global economic crisis which also tells upon the trading volumes. The ministers shared the opinion that the IGC should continue its efforts to promote, under these conditions, the economic co-operation between Latvia and Russia.

At the initiative of the Russian side, an agreement was achieved on the establishment of a new working group within the IGC. The competency of the working group, in addition to the promotion of co-operation between the regions of both countries, would also include the topics of cross-border co-operation. This initiative was also supported by the Latvia-Russia Business Council.

The Business Council was actively involved in the discussion of topics related to the promotion of economic co-operation, in particular the streamlining of the legal framework in the sector of economy. The co-chairmen of the IGC appreciated the involvement of the business community of both countries in the promotion of co-operation between Latvia and Russia and expressed readiness to take forward the existing partnership.

The IGC meeting made a special focus on expanding the framework of bilateral agreements. The parties agreed that as soon as possible and agreement should be signed on the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of tax evasion, and on the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments.

The parties emphasised the need to facilitate the co-ordination of co-operation agreements in the fields such as border crossing, easement of visa regime for the residents of border areas, and rail transport.  An arrangement was also made to finalise the work on the agreements in the fields of tourism, environmental protection and the liquidation of consequences of emergency situations, and to prepare them for signing by the end of this year.

The parties also discussed the draft agreement between the Ministry of Welfare of the Republic of Latvia and the Ministry of Health Care and Social Development Ministry of the Russian Federation on the procedures for the application of the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Russian Federation agreement on co-operation in the field of social security. The parties expressed readiness to make all efforts to complete the work on this draft agreement by the end of 2009.

With regard to humanitarian co-operation, the Latvian side emphasised its interest to keep on solving the issues of displaced heritage values. Both sides recognised that, although their viewpoints differed on several cases, it was vital for the experts to develop and maintain a dialogue. The parties believed that the issues in question were broad and complex and that gradual and integrated efforts should be made to achieve solution.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties agreed to hold the next meeting in Russia in 2010 and, recognising the importance of regional co-operation, they conceded that this may take place in a Russian region. The exact time and venue of the meeting will be co-ordinated in the course of preparations.

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