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During the meeting, Mr Putin expressed confidence saying that relations Russia could build with Latvia would not be inferior to those it had with its European partners.

Janis Jurkans is a prominent figure in Latvian society and diplomatic circles and an active proponent of the integration of the Russian-speaking population into Latvian society, providing them with equal political and socio-economic rights. He opposed the adoption of discriminatory laws on language and education. He supported Latvia’s entry into the European Union.

During the meting, Mr Putin expressed hope that the visit by the deputy of the Latvian Parliament would be a step in re-establishing full-scale relations between Russia and Latvia, despite the fact that Latvia defines its own security and integration processes. “It is a pleasure to say that Latvia has politicians who are set to restore inter-state relations in full. We have plenty of resources, primarily in the economy,” the President said.

Janis Jurkans said Latvia, being a member of the European Union, could become a bridge linking Europe and Russia. He said Russians accounted for 30% of the Latvian population.