RIGA, Aug 11 (LETA) - The Cabinet of Ministers is planning an external meeting in the eastern Latvian town of Ludza on August 23 to discuss regional matters and decide on legislative proposals on the government's agenda, LETA was told at the State Chancellery. 

According to the State Chancellery, the government plans to hold such a sitting, considering the geopolitical situation where Latvia's neighbor countries Russia and Belarus are following aggressive policies and continuing the war against Ukraine. At the meeting, ministers are expected to address the region's current issues and development plans, as well as local authorities' readiness to deal with various challenges in Latvia's border areas.

Work is currently underway on the government meeting's agenda, which will include reports  on how the activities and plans of Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins' (New Unity) government have been affecting investment, reforms and development in Latvia's eastern province of Latgale. 

The meeting in Ludza will be attended by the prime minister, cabinet ministers, as well as the chairs of the Ludza regional council and Latgale planning region. Also invited are municipal leaders from Latgale province. Meanwhile, the ministries' state secretaries, experts and representatives of the government's social partners will participate in the meeting by videolink, with members of local councils also invited to join the meeting remotely. 

The cabinet meeting in Ludza will be livestreamed on the government's website.