RIGA, June 13 (LETA) - The visit of Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission (EC) for Cohesion and Reforms, shows that the European Union (EU) and Latvia are aware of the importance of the bloc's eastern border, LETA was told at the press office of the Smart Administration and Reginal Development Ministry.

"This visit showed that our vision is heard and appreciated at the European level. We have laid a very strong foundation for a regional growth policy and I look forward to continuing our work on the development of the eastern border region," said outgoing Smart Administration and Reginal Development Minister Inga Berzina (New Unity).

During the visit high-ranked officials and members of the delegation visited Latvia's external border in Grebneva, met with municipal leaders from Latgale and Aluksne as well as local entrepreneurs. They were also briefed on the region's economic development potential and challenges.

Discussions during the EC vice-president's visit focused on Latvia's plans to bolster the eastern border's security, promote business activity and develop an attractive living environment, with the emphasis on the region's role in the common European security space. At the same time, representatives of local businesses were also heard, highlighting the need for more support for competitiveness and investment in the border region.

One of the key objectives is to balance the security aspect with regional development needs by creating integrated solutions that give people confidence in a safe living environment and motivate them to stay or return to the border areas. To this end, it is also planned to improve instruments to support remigration and to create new jobs with higher added value, the Smart Administration and Reginal Development Ministry said.