RIGA, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Xinhua News Agency and Latvia's state news agency LETA signed here on Monday an agreement on news exchange and cooperation, and exchanged views on further strengthening media cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.
The signing was witnessed by visiting Xinhua News Agency Vice President Liu Siyang and LETA's president Juris Mendzins.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Liu said Xinhua -- in the capacity of both China's state news agency and an international news agency -- has always attached importance to reporting news related to Latvia.
Based on existing cooperation, Liu said, Xinhua is willing to further enhance cooperation with LETA, the relevant government departments of Latvia as well as other Latvian media organizations, intensify news coverage on the Belt and Road Initiative, and promote mutual understanding and friendship between peoples of China and Latvia.
Speaking on the same occasion, Mendzins said Xinhua is an important media organization with international influence, and that strengthening cooperation with Xinhua will have an important impact on increasing Latvia's influence in the world.
During his stay in the Baltic nation, Liu also met with Latvia's State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Andreis Pildegovichs, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economics Juris Stinka, State Secretary of the Ministry of Transport Kaspars Ozolinsh, Chairman of Latvia-China Friendship Group of Latvia's parliament Sergejs Potapkins, and editor in chief of the Diena newspaper Andrey Svedovs.
On behalf of Xinhua, Liu also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Transport of Latvia.
Huang Yong, Chinese ambassador to Latvia, was present at the meetings.