Latvian Parliament Ratifies Treaty on Customs Cooperation with Russia

Latvia's parliament yesterday ratified a treaty with Russia on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters. According to the treaty, the Russian and Latvian customs authorities will exchange information and carry out joint operations to combat customs violations, especially those connected to the trafficking of narcotics and psychotropic substances.

During preparations for ratification of the treaty, officials of the Latvian State Income Service highlighted the fact that in the past the absence of this treaty had made cooperation with their Russian counterparts significantly more difficult. According to Latvia's statistics agency, Russian investment in the country is over USD 120 million.

The treaty was signed in Riga on April 22 and requires ratification by both countries' parliaments. Russia has yet to ratify the treaty.