Berzins in Estonia for first state visit

Freshly inaugurated Latvian President Andris Berzins is meeting with Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves during his first official state visit.

“Estonia and Latvia of the 21st century are two good friends, who have never let each other down and have shared support and encouragement with each other,” said President Toomas Hendrik Ilves.

“The special nature of our relations is demonstrated by the fact that your first foreign visit as Latvian Head of State brought you to Tallinn and that Estonia is Latvia’s largest foreign investor.” He also complimented the governing board of Latvia for making reasoned decisions during the economic crisis.

Berzins, meanwhile, said the visit had been a good learning opportunity.
"I have never been shy to learn, and why shouldn't I do that now as well? I really gained a lot from this meeting with the President of Estonia," the newly incumbent president said.

Discussions between the two leaders focused on regional transportation projects, particularly the proposed "Rail Baltica" project that has stalled in recent months, as well as on collaboration between the borderline areas of the two countries.