Estonian and Latvian Ministers for Regional Affairs discuss cross-border co-operation in Valga on Friday

Estonian and Latvian Ministers for Regional Affairs discuss cross-border co-operation in Valga on Friday

A joint session of intergovernmental commissions for cross-border cooperation between Estonia and Latvia is held in Valga under the leadership of the Minister fof Regional Affairs Siim Kiisler on Friday, 22 January. The participants intend to agree on cooperation priorities and a plan for solving specific problems.

According to the Minister for Regional Affairs Siim Kiisler, cooperation between Estonia and Latvia is important in order to ensure high-quality social services for the residents of border areas and to create possibilities for improving the employment level. “For instance, we place great importance in the provision of mutual assistance as regards emergency medical care and rescue services in border areas, as well as in the Valga-Riga railway connection. If we reach an agreement in respect of priorities between our two countries, we can also appoint the responsible parties and determine the dates. It is important for me that this co-operation would not just be left on paper,” said Kiisler.
Cross-border cooperation between Estonia and Latvia on the governmental commissions level started in 2004. The commission includes representatives from ministries, Riigikogu, county governments and local governments. The last joint session of the two commissions was held in 2005.