Republic of Latvia

Chronology of Diplomatic Relations

Diplomatic relations between Georgia and the Republic of Latvia were established on March 11, 1993.

From 2004 to 2007 - Embassy of Georgia to the Republic of Latvia with the residence in Vilnius, Lithuania

Embassy of Georgia to the Republic of Latvia was opened in 2007

From 2004 to 2006 - Embassy of Latvia to Georgia with the residence in Kiyv, Ukraine.

Embassy of the Republic of Latvia to Georgia was opened in 2006.

Main fields of cooperation

Georgia and the Republic of Latvia have close and friendly political relations are developing dynamically. Legislative framework, including more than 20 international agreements, facilitates the enhancement of cooperation in the fields of economy and finances, defense and security, education and science, tourism and other. Countries actively cooperate within the international organizations.

Georgia is one of the priority countries of Development Cooperation Program of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia. The Government of Latvia is carrying out the projects and study programs facilitating the implementation of reforms envisaged by the EU-Georgia Association Agreement in Georgia’s European integration process. In 2014 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia and Riga Graduate School of Law have launched the Advanced Program in European Law and Economics for public servants from Eastern Partnership and Central Asia countries. Latvia is an important partner in terms of implementation of the EU Twinning projects. Latvia already completed one project aimed at strengthening accreditation infrastructure and currently is involved in implementation of 3 projects in metrology and standardization, promoting rule of law and justice and launching new computerized transit system.

Parliaments of Georgia and Latvia cooperate closely. Main legislative bodies of the two countries have signed the Memorandum on Strategic Partnership. MOUs are signed also between the Committees of European Integration and Foreign Affairs. Inter-parliamentary friendship groups are established in both parliaments. The group for interparliamentary relations with Georgia in Latvian Saeima is traditionally one of the largest. Latvian lawmakers have adopted number of resolutions and statements supporting Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

Georgia and Latvia are actively cooperating in the fields of economy, culture and education. Business fora are held regularly in Tbilisi and Riga as well as in the regions. Georgian-Latvian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was established in 2009. Employer’s Association of Georgia and Latvia’s Employers’ Confederation have founded Georgian-Latvian Business Council in 2014. Regular flights are operated by the Latvian Air Baltics connecting Tbilisi and Riga. Additionally the Hungarian company WizzAir has launched direct flights between Kutaisi and Riga in March 2018.

Various cultural events, including exhibitions and concerts are held in cities of Latvia to promote Georgian culture. In 2012 Shota Rustaveli bas-relief has been opened in the center of Riga presented to the city as a sign of friendship between the two countries. In September 2014 memorial plaque of the first Latvian Admiral Teodors Spade who had participated in formation of the first Georgian fleet was revealed at Batumi State Maritime Academy. Information-Educational Centre on Georgia was inaugurated at the Academic Library of the Riga State University in September 2014. In November 2015 Latvian Auditorium was opened at the Sokhumi State University.

There is a longstanding tradition of cooperation and twinning between the regions and cities of Georgia and Latvia. The capitals of the two countries – Tbilisi and Riga – are sister cities since 2007. Aerial cableway in the Latvian city Sigulda was installed by specialists from Chiatura in 1969.

Useful Links

Embassy of Latvia to the Republic of Georgia

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia

President of the Republic of Latvia

Parliament of the Republic of Latvia

Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia

Joint Projects