It is necessary to continue applying pressure on Russia by introducing broader sanctions until the end of the war and the payment of reparations, emphasized the Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže, who visited Azerbaijan this week and met with the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.
As reported to the LETA agency by the advisor to the minister, Tom Sadovskis, the parties discussed the expansion of economic cooperation, as well as current issues on the regional and international agenda, including support for Ukraine. Braže expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan's humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and emphasized the importance of closer cooperation with the European Union to prevent circumvention of sanctions.
In her conversation with Bayramov, Braže paid special attention to the possibilities of strengthening economic ties between the two countries, including cooperation in trade, transport, and logistics, as well as in education, science, and innovation. Last year, trade turnover between Latvia and Azerbaijan grew by 24%, with Latvia's main export goods being food products, chemical industry products, pharmaceuticals, and livestock products.
In addition, the parties discussed current issues on the regional and international agenda, including the progress of the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The Latvian Foreign Minister noted the positive dynamics of dialogue between the countries and expressed hope for the soon signing and ratification of a peace agreement.
Discussing Azerbaijan's relations with the EU, Braže positively assessed their development and emphasized that there is significant growth potential in the coming years, especially in the energy and transportation sectors, including the development of the Trans-Caspian transport corridor. The ministers also discussed the situation in the Middle East and its impact on both countries. Braže thanked Azerbaijan for its contribution to reducing tensions.
During the visit, the foreign ministers signed a memorandum of cooperation between the foreign ministries of Latvia and Azerbaijan on consular issues. The agreement will strengthen the exchange of information and experience in the consular sphere.
The Latvian delegation visited the Latvian-Azerbaijani business forum organized by Azerbaijan in Baku, which brought together entrepreneurs from both countries to seek new opportunities for cooperation. The forum served as a platform for networking and developing practical joint projects, especially in the export and innovation sectors. Braže met with Latvian entrepreneurs and discussed opportunities for expanding cooperation between the countries.
The meeting took place as part of the official visit of the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, to Azerbaijan.
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