Latvia and the United States have good prospects for cooperation not only in the political field but also in the economy, as the hitherto successful cooperation in the non-military cargo transits to Afghanistan attests. Foreign Affairs Committee members stressed that point when they met with H.E. Ms. Judith Garber, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to the Republic of Latvia on Friday, 26 November.
Mr. Ojārs Kalniņš, Chairman of the Committee, pointed out: “I am convinced that we have ample opportunities for developing U.S.—Latvia cooperation not only in the political and military area but also in the economic sphere, especially in view of Latvia’s favourable geographic location which makes our country a bridge between the West and the East.”
Ambassador Garber told the MPs that the Northern Distribution Network, which carries non-military cargo transits to Afghanistan through Latvia, is one of the best success stories in economic cooperation between Latvia and the United States. More than 18,000 cargo containers have been transported to Afghanistan by railway through the Port of Riga, and each container brings a net benefit of 500 EUR to the Latvian economy. The U.S. Ambassador affirmed that the successful cooperation experienced so far has notably strengthened the reputation of Latvia as a good transit route.
Speaking about the further development of this transit network, MPs were interested in opportunities for Latvian businesses to eventually supply food and other goods for the U.S. troops deployed in Afghanistan. Participants of the meeting also discussed the possibility of continuing to use the transit route crossing Latvia after the NATO-led peacekeeping mission withdraws from Afghanistan.
The Ambassador told MPs that the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency representatives had visited Latvia in early November in order to inform constructors, food manufacturers and other entrepreneurs about cooperation opportunities. Ms. Garber indicated that goods offered by Latvian businesses have to be competitive both in terms of quality and price. However, the first signed contract on supplies of bottled water to U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan confirms the competitiveness of the Latvian goods, said the diplomat.
Mr. Jānis Dombrava (All for Latvia and For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK), MP, asked whether the U.S. as a leading NATO country is considering the possibility of basing one of its military manufacturers in Latvia. The Ambassador answered in the negative, but added that the U.S. Defense Department has already indirectly invested several millions of lats in the Latvian economy. For example, the U.S. has invested almost 16 million lats in various Latvia-based NATO military exercises and in constructing necessary facilities.
With regard to the rapprochement policy towards Russia implemented by the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama, Ambassador Garber acknowledged that this process will be beneficial for Latvia as well. The Ambassador emphasised that improvement in U.S.—Russia relations will definitely not come at the price of security of U.S. allies, as was repeatedly confirmed by President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Pictures from the meeting:
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Press Service