RIGA, Jun 3 (LETA) - People should spend their holidays in Latgale to help local entrepreneurs, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (United List) urged today after his first meeting as Prime Minister with President of Latvia Edgars Rinkevics.

Rinkevics said that he discussed with Kulbergs his first impressions as the prime minister, the first things to be done, plans and developments. Kulbergs briefed the president on the rhythm of work adopted by the government.

"I am pleased and happy that the government has started its work with energy," Rinkevics said. At the same time, he stressed that this does not mean that the problems will be solved quickly and easily, but that Rinkevics, as the president, will have full support in solving national issues.

Rinkevics also noted that the public is also waiting for real decisions and actions. He admitted that not all decisions of this government will be acceptable to everybody. According to Rinkevics, not solving problems is more disturbing to the public than a clear and concrete decision.

For his part, Kulbergs stressed that the work of the government he leads must be disciplined, and he expects discipline from all coalition partners and other cooperation partners. He highlighted the current lack of people in positions of responsibility in many public institutions as a problem that needs to be addressed.

Kulbergs told journalists that this week's visit to Latvia by Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko was important. It was not a simple visit, but issues related to defense were discussed. Next week, a team of experts from Ukraine is scheduled to visit Latvia to share their experience and knowledge on drones. No country is as good and knowledgeable as Ukraine on these issues, Kulbergs stressed.

He also discussed with the Ukrainian prime minister the possibility of setting up a joint venture between Ukraine and Latvia, investing European money in it. "We can be a production window to Europe for Ukraine," said the prime minister.

Kulbergs also informed Rinkevics about the upcoming government retreat in Latgale on June 27. The ministers plan to decide on solutions to make people feel safe in Latgale. Kulbergs also revealed that he had a private conversation with the President of the European Commission (EC), Ursula von der Leyen. During the conversation, Kulbergs confirmed that the EC President is also concerned about the security of the border area, not only in Latvia but also in other Russian border countries. Drone incidents there cause huge problems for tourism, farmers and other businesses in various sectors, which is why European support is also needed, Kulbergs said.

Kulbergs also called on Latvians to spend their summer holidays in Latgale. "Let us help Latvians there," the prime minister urged. It is important that the locals feel the support of the rest of society. Kulbergs promised that if he and his family had a free day in the summer, they would spend it in Latgale.

During his conversation with Rinkevics, the prime minister also highlighted the issue of a secure election process. Yesterday, the government heard an information report on preparations for the upcoming Saeima elections in autumn, and at the moment everything is going smoothly, even ahead of schedule. At the same time, Kulbergs noted that there should also be a plan for how the elections will be held in case of an air raid alert.

As reported, in May, residents in Latgale and Vidzeme received several cellular warnings about possible airspace threats. These were related to drones flying into Latvia, and some drones also crashed and exploded, while one drone was shot down by a NATO Baltic Air Patrol Mission fighter over Estonia.

These drone incidents were most likely related to drones involved in the Russia-Ukraine war landing or entering Latvian airspace.

One of these incidents cost the post of Defense Minister Andris Spruds (Progressives), and soon afterwards the entire government of Evikas Silina (New Unity) fell.

The new government was approved by the Saeima on May 28. The new government is made up of the United List, the National Alliance, the New Unity and the Union of Greens and Farmers.