During the summer months, Malta and Latvia will be running a series of charter flights operated by Air Malta on behalf of the Latvian travel organisation Kolumbs, President Edward Fenech Adami said yesterday while on a state visit to Latvia.

Dr Fenech Adami pointed out that there were several similarities between the Maltese and Latvian economies.

The two countries both have open economies aimed at attracting foreign direct investment and seeking to maximise the potential for the exports of goods and services, he said.

However, he added,this also leaves both economies vulnerable to international events.

Since Latvia and Malta became members of the EU, the level of political cooperation between the two countries has increased. However, this political cooperation needs to be complemented by stronger economic changes, added Dr Fenech Adami.

He said that it was time for smaller member states to seek to increase their economic exchanges.

Both Malta and Latvia needed to find their own niches in international markets and to maintain the flexibility to “withstand adverse international conditions” and “transform the geographical locations into a unique opportunity.”

He said the adoption of a basic treaty for the European Union was a step forward to strengthen the political dimension of the Union.

“It will ensure the ability of its institutions to function effectively and to formulate the needed strategies to face the challenges of economic growth and of security,” said Dr Fenech Adami.

Both Latvia and Malta have important roles in the international community.

“Malta perceives itself, and is perceived to be, a bridge between Europe and Northern Africa, as Latvia has always been seen as a bridge where the east meets the west,” said Dr Fenech Adami.

Since Latvia regained independence, integration policy is a key issue in its domestic affairs, he added.

Malta is facing the challenge of an unprecedented influx of irregular immigrants, putting a strain on its limited resources.

Dr Fenech Adami called for a collective effort to face this challenge from all European States.

Among his appointments yesterday, Dr Fenech Adami met Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis, and laid a wreath at the foot of the Freedom Monument in Riga.