RIGA, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Dutch King Willem-Alexander arrived here for a two-day state visit on Monday as part of his Baltic tour devoted to the centenary of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.
According to Latvian media reports, the Netherlands is looking to step up cooperation with the three Baltic countries and other partners in Northern Europe to strengthen its influence in the European Union (EU).
During his meetings with top Latvian officials in Riga, King Willem-Alexander repeatedly noted that Latvia and the Netherlands were like-minded nations with similar values. Both are open to trade with the rest of the world, focus on smart and innovative economic solutions and have a very pragmatic approach to Europe's development, the Dutch side said.
After meeting with the Dutch king, Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis said in a statement that Latvia and the Netherlands had established regular political dialogues and that the two nations "share a common understanding of European values and international challenges".
"Latvia and the Netherlands are active members of the European Union and NATO with a common goal for the future of a united, secure, and economically developed Europe. Latvia appreciates the contribution of the Netherlands to strengthening the security of the Baltic states," the Latvian president said.
Meanwhile, Latvian Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis, who also met with King Willem-Alexander, called for closer educational, scientific and business cooperation between their respective countries.
During the talks, Latvia's representatives stressed the importance of security in the broadest sense of the word for the development of the European project.
A business forum scheduled to take place during the Dutch king's visit to Latvia is expected to focus on mobility and transport, as well as innovation in this area.
