The Foreign Minister emphasised that Uzbekistan is a significant and much-promising co-operation partner for Latvia in the Central Asian region, and Latvia is interested in an a broader economic co-operation.

Mr Ronis noted that the Embassy of Latvia in Tashkent, one of the few resident missions of the EU Member States accredited in Uzbekistan, is a significant prerequisite for, and support to a successful development of co-operation between businesses, which is also facilitated by direct flights between the capitals of Latvia and Uzbekistan.

In view of the fact that currently about 30 Latvian companies are working in Uzbekistan, the entrepreneurs, with assistance from the Embassy, intend to establish and association of Latvian businesses, thus facilitating the representation of the Latvian entrepreneurs and their contacts with the Uzbek authorities and the private sector.

The Latvian entrepreneurs greatly appreciated the economic facet of the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in Uzbekistan, and its readiness to co-operate with the business community; they also urged to enhance the capacity of the Embassy in association with the Latvian Investment and Development Agency.

"The involvement and presence of a European Union Member State in Uzbekistan provides considerable advantage for the operations of the Latvian businesses in the region. Entrepreneurs and experts should make use of the opportunities given by the EU assistance programmes in the region to promote and market their products and innovative solutions," Aivis Ronis noted.

The Foreign Minister also visited the Europa House in Tashkent which coordinates the European Commission projects in Uzbekistan, focusing on human rights, good governance, democratisation, education and socio-economic development, as well as implements projects with the aim of strengthening the infrastructure of energy and transport connections, and water supply, as well as fighting against common threats and challenges. The coordinator of the EC projects in Tashkent, Pierre-Paul Antheunissens, appreciated Latvia's contribution to the implementation of an education initiative in Uzbekistan, for which Latvia has assumed the role of chief co-ordinator.