RIGA, Jan 21 (LETA) - Jelgava like several other Latvian cities will also put its name in the running to become the European Capital of Culture in 2027, the city council decided today.

Mintauts Buskevics, the head of the municipal institution Kultura, said that this initiative is not just a culture project, but it is aimed at development of the whole city.

"Going for this status in 2027, we should look into the future. There will be targeted work to develop internationally significant culture projects, infrastructure, promote development of the city's brand in Europe," said Buskevics.

He said that through culture, also other sectors can be developed, such as tourism, infrastructure, business, education, sports and others.

Local government may submit their applications for running for the European Capital of Culture to the Culture Ministry by June 4.

In 2027, the title of European Capital of Culture will be awarded to one Latvian city and one Portuguese city. This is the second opportunity for Latvia to receive the title of European Capital of Culture. In 2014, the title was awarded to two European cities - the capital of Latvia, Riga and Umea in Sweden.

So far, also Liepaja, Jurmala, Cesis, Jekabpils, Kuldiga and Daugavpils have voiced their readiness to run for the title