RIGA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne arrived in Riga on a working visit on Monday to discuss economic and defense cooperation with Latvian officials, local media reported.
At a news conference that followed his talks with the Canadian counterpart, Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics said that his meeting with Champagne took place in a very friendly atmosphere, which characterizes ties between the two countries.
Rinkevics thanked Canada for its significant contribution to Latvia's security and leading a NATO battle group stationed in Latvia. He also stressed close bilateral ties, particularly economic exchanges in areas like ICT and development of 5G infrastructure between the two countries.
The Canadian foreign minister, for his part, also emphasized close ties between the two countries.
Champagne noted that Latvia became the first EU member state to ratify the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between the European Union (EU) and Canada (CETA), adding that the agreement will promote the economic growth of EU member states and Canada alike. Enditem
