On Wednesday with the support of Honorary Consulate of Latvian Republic in Chernigiv took place the meeting with students and teachers of the State Penitentiary Service Academy. The event was also attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Latvia to Ukraine Yuris Poikans and the head of Cherigiv regional administration Valerij Kulich. Honorary Consul of Latvian Republic and guests communicated with the youth, discussed Ukraine-Latvia relations in Europe, common issues and ways of cooperation.

Ambassador stated that Ukrainian future is connected with Europe, that’s why it is important to realize the possibility of EU membership, not only on a state level, but even a single citizen could act in this direction. “For me it is always important to know the opinion of Ukrainian population regarding Europe, and what troubles them. That’s why I try to have such meetings as often as possible”, - stated Mr. Yuris Poikans.

“In my opinion Chernigiv region has great perspectives in cultural and educational cooperation with EU, that’s why establishment of close relations between Chernigiv and Latvian higher educational institutions is of a great importance. At the moment relations between Ukraine and Latvia are done on the level of presidents, parliaments and separate regions and towns. That’s why connections between higher educational institutions are the priority of bilateral cooperation of two countries. Youth should have solid understanding of Ukrainian European choice on the example of Latvia. I’m happy that this is clearly understood by both Chernigiv regional administration and the State Penitentiary Service Academy,” said Olena Vyshniakova.

Mrs. Honorary Consul reported that this year Honorary Consulate of Latvia will give the opportunity to Ukrainian students to talk to teachers of Latvian higher educational institutions: skype-education program is the part of LatviArt culture- educational center. Apart from that, Honorary Consulate of Latvia plans the visits of Latvian teachers to Ukrainian higher education institutions. At the moment the most problematic issues, that will help to define the topics of visits, are studied.

“Today Ukraine defined its European way of development, that’s why our role is to support this process. It is important that students and scientists participate in the process of euro integration. I’m grateful to Latvian partners for support and for their readiness to share their experience in this sphere. I do not have doubts that our cooperation will be successful,” said Olena Vyshniakova.