The two railways have agreed to look at the possibility of introducing a new international passenger service between Riga and Siauliai in Lithuania, and they will also study the establishment of a joint venture to operate railfreight services between Asia and Europe.

"It is no secret that LDZ and LG are interested in pursuing opportunities for freight services from the Black Sea ports and attracting containerised freight from Kazakhstan and China to Europe to rail," says LDZ chairman Mr Guntis Macs. "Currently we each have our own activities in this area, but it makes sense to join forces and develop a single offer."