OREANDA-NEWS. On October 10, 2008, Ivars Godmanis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, held a meeting with Gediminas Kirkilas, Prime Minister of Lithuania, reported the Official website www.mk.gov.lv.

During the meeting both officials discussed issues related to the shutdown of Ignalina nuclear power plant, interconnections of electricity cables between Sweden and the Baltic States and proceedings of the Lithuanian air company flyLAL against the Latvian air company airBaltic and Riga Airport.

Concerning the shutdown of Ignalina nuclear power plant Ivars Godmanis expressed support to the position of the Lithuanian Government in its negotiations with the European Commission with regard to the „modification” of the shutdown process. Addressing the issue of interconnections between Sweden and the Baltic States, the Latvian Prime Minister maintained that this is a multi-level solution and that it is necessary to create a single Baltic energy market, to develop a solution for connections with the existing Scandinavian market and to offer Sweden a common decision of the Baltic States.

With regard to the proceedings against airBaltic the Prime Minister emphasised that despite unfavourable decisions of some Lithuanian institutions the Latvian company airBaltic will continue its business in Lithuania. Ivars Godmanis stressed that passenger interest should be the focus here, namely – opportunities to use airline services at the lowest prices possible. „In this type of business, similarly to any other business activity, each company must compete with others and prove its efficiency.”

During discussions with his Lithuanian counterpart Ivars Godmanis said that „the situation in the Latvian and Lithuanian economies is unfavourable, therefore, it is essential in these hard times to maintain economic cooperation, trade and import ensuring their development in the future.”

Before the meeting with the Lithuanian Prime Minister Ivars Godmanis met Tadas Visgirda, Head of airBaltic representation in Lithuania, and Arnis Zekunde, Chairman of the Board of the Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania. Tadas Visgirda, Head of airBaltic representation in Lithuania, informed that currently the number of air Baltic flights from Vilnius Airport is reducing, yet they will preserve a substantial share in the Lithuanian tourism industry. At present the company employs more than 300 people in Lithuania.

Describing activities of Latvian companies in Lithuania, Arnis Zekunde, Chairman of the Board of the Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania, said: „In Lithuania, just like in other countries, competition is tough. Sometimes the question is whether it is fair.” Arnis Zekunde noted that it would be necessary to improve cooperation with Lithuanian authorities and business representatives in view of the fact that “business means contacts.”