"Latvia is ready to become a gateway for cooperation between Central Asia and Europe. Taking into account the role Central Asia plays in the world’s energy market and its potential in the creation of alternative energy routes, closer cooperation between the European Union and Central Asia is necessary," Zatlers believes.

From 2 to 5 October, Zatlers and First Lady Lilita Zatlere were in Kazakhstan, from 5 to 7 October they were in Uzbekistan, but from 7 to 9 October they were in Turkmenistan. During the visit, Zatlers met with the highest ranking officials of all three countries.

Summarizing his visit to Central Asia, Zatlers emphasized that all of the trip’s goals were met - to begin a successful political dialog with all three of the Central Asian countries, and to create economic contacts between business representatives from Latvia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

"Talks take place differently here when compared to Europe, and if you wish to achieve something, it is important to form a good personal relationship," Zatlers said, adding that he is confident that the constructive and friendly discussions with the leaders of all three countries were successful.

"In any case, I am convinced that a good personal contact has formed between me and all three of the presidents, and if Latvian businesspeople become active, we could move this cooperation forward very productively," Zatlers emphasized.