Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs visited Azerbaijan this week. This visit showed that relations between the two countries have entered a new stage.
At a time when Latvia-Azerbaijan relations are becoming more active, Modern.az addressed a number of questions to Latvian MP, ethnic Azerbaijani Alim Salimov.
We present the interview with the Azerbaijani MP of the Latvian parliament:
- Approximately how many Azerbaijanis live in Latvia?
- According to the latest statistics, the number of Azerbaijanis living in Latvia is currently 2200, of whom 1100 are Latvian citizens. 964 people have temporary residence permits. Among them, 500 are students. The others are business people.
- In which areas do Azerbaijanis mainly work?
- There are many businessmen among Azerbaijanis. They work in fruit and vegetable stores, and in construction. There are also a few artists, teachers, and information technology (IT) specialists.
- How many of the students studying in Latvia remain there to work after completing their education?
- About 500 Azerbaijani students study in Latvia. Very few students remain in Latvia after completing their education. Most of them go to other countries such as Germany and France to continue their education.
- What is the attitude of Latvians towards Azerbaijanis?
- Diplomatically, our relations are very good. The Minister of Agriculture, President Edgars Rinkēvičs have visited Baku. Before that, we welcomed members of the friendship group with Azerbaijan here. Our relations with our Azerbaijani colleagues are excellent. As a Member of Parliament, I can confirm that our diplomatic and political relations are at a positive level. As for the attitude of Latvians towards Azerbaijanis, they are very happy when Azerbaijanis speak Latvian. We have a common history, we were together during the Soviet era, our cultures are similar. Latvians and Russians, who make up 30% of the total population here, do not look down on us. Our relations are good.
- How do you think relations will develop after the visit of Latvian President Mr. Edgars Rinkēvičs to Azerbaijan?
- We can cooperate in many areas. For example, the defense sector. Because Azerbaijan has a very great and excellent experience with drones and other weapons after the Second Karabakh War. Mutual purchase and sale of certain products, export through Latvia can take place. Azerbaijan can sell its gas to Europe. Europe has a significant demand for gas. The most important issue is related to migration. Latvia cannot ease migration conditions for Azerbaijan. Because we are a member of the European Union. A person to whom we grant a temporary residence permit automatically opens up to 27 countries. However, Latvia has a desire for this. Because we lack labor force. The demographic situation is negative. Somewhere, 26 thousand people die, but the number of births is 13 thousand. This means that every year there is a minus of 13 thousand in the population. But in addition, 18 thousand people have left Latvia and live and work in other countries. In total, our population has decreased by 33 thousand people every year. And therefore, Latvia has a shortage of human resources. It is very important for us to establish very good relations with Azerbaijan. Azerbaijanis can come to our country and work as chefs, cleaners in cafes and restaurants, laborers in construction, and drivers. There is a lot of work in these areas.
