Turkish-Latvian Relations, 2.12.2022
The Republic of Türkiye recognized the Republic of Latvia in 1925 and opened its first diplomatic mission accredited to all Baltic countries in Riga in 1929. The occupation and annexation of Latvia by the Soviet Union was never recognized by the Republic of Türkiye. Following the disintegration of the former USSR and declaration of independence of Latvia, diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Latvia were re-established with a joint declaration in Riga on 22 October 1991. The Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation was signed on 12 July 1994.
Latvian Embassy in Ankara was officially opened in April 2004, during the official visit of the then President of Latvia, H.E. Vaira Vike-Freiberga. The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Riga was reciprocally opened in September 2005. The development of all aspects of bilateral relations has accelerated since the opening of resident Embassies in Ankara and in Riga.
Bilateral relations between Türkiye and Latvia are developing steadily. Latvia's membership to NATO and EU has brought the two countries much closer in terms of common objectives. Latvia renders support to Türkiye's EU membership.
H.E. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's visit to Latvia on 22-23 October 2014 was important in maintaining the momentum of mutual high level visits. Recent visits include Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Edgars Rinkevics's visit to Türkiye on 29 September 2016, Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu's visit to Latvia on 16 May 2019, the visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence H.E. Artis Pabriks to Türkiye between 5-9 June 2021, the visit of the Minister of National Defence H.E. Hulusi Akar to Latvia on 27-28 July 2022 and the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Edgars Rinkevics to Türkiye on 16 August 2022.
The first meeting of the Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO) between Türkiye and Latvia was held on 9 July 2020.In 2021, the total trade volume between the two countries was 392 million USD (exports 161 million; imports 231 million). According to the data for January-September2022, Turkish exports to Latvia increased to 296 million USD; whereas imports from Latvia has amounted to 169,5 million USD.Main items of Turkish exports to Latvia include automotive supply industry products, textile products, jewelry, mineral oils, machine-made carpets, central heating boilers, radiators, packing materials and cables; while the main items of its imports from Latvia are metal and metal products, mineral oils, livestock, plywood and plates.
Türkiye continue to be one of the most preferred tourism destinations for Latvians. 91.445 Latvian tourists visited Türkiye in the first ten months of 2022.
636 Turkish citizens are resident in Latvia as of 2022, according to Latvian official figures.
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