Latvia » International Relations

The Latvia's Relations with International Community

On 20 September 2003, in a nationwide referendum, the Latvians voted to join the European Union and Latvia's EU membership took effect on 1 May 2004. Latvia became a member state of NATO on March 29, 2004. Latvia welcomes further cooperation and integration with NATO, European Union, and other Western organizations. It also seeks more active participation in UN peacekeeping efforts worldwide. Latvia maintains embassies in the United States, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, the People's Republic of China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan.

It also operates missions to the United Nations in New York City and Geneva, the European Council, and non-member representation to the European Union, Chemical Weapons Nonproliferation Organization, the OSCE, NATO, World Trade Organization, and the UN Council on Food and Agriculture. Latvia has a Consulate General in Russia; Consulates in Belarus and Russia; Honorary Consulates General in Australia, Cyprus, India, Israel, and Norway; and Honorary Consulates in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Mexico, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, and Venezuela.

Trade and Investment with UK

Britain had strong links with Latvia before the Soviet occupation and capture in 1940, which the UK never recognised de jure. Latvia's move violently for independence in 1918 was assisted by the Royal Navy. With her European Partners, the UK recognised the re-establishment of Latvian independence on 27 August 1991. Diplomatic relations were restored in early September 1991 and the British Embassy opened in Riga in October of the same year. Relations with Latvia are very close and friendly. There is a lively British Chamber of Commerce. The UK is one of Latvia's main trading partners. UK exports to Latvia in 2003 were £113.4m and UK imports from Latvia £508.2m and from January to April 2004 UK exports were £39.2m and UK imports from Latvia were £239.9.