RIGA -- Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins met here Tuesday with Chinese Minister of Culture and Tourism Luo Shugang.

The two sides had an in-depth discussion on the development of cultural and tourism exchanges between the two countries.

During their meeting, Luo praised China-Latvia relations, noting broad perspectives for cooperation in culture and tourism between the two countries.

Luo said China is willing to work with Latvia to step up exchanges of recreational tourism and strengthen cooperation in the visual and performing arts, protection of cultural heritage and cultural and creative industries.

For his part, Karins said Latvia also wants to strengthen and expand cooperation with China in order to ensure continuous growth of bilateral ties.

Led by Luo, a delegation of the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism is visiting Latvia from Oct. 21-24 at the invitation of Latvian Economics Minister Ralfs Nemiro.