I. Diplomatic Relations
There is Embassy-level representation. The Latvian Embassy in Greece was established in 1998, and the Greek Embassy in Riga was opened in January 2005.
ΙΙ. Framework of Treaties
Greece and Latvia have signed a significant number of bilateral agreements, on matters that include maritime transport, protection and mutual promotion of investments, economic and technological cooperation, military cooperation, avoidance of double taxation, cultural, educational and scientific cooperation.
III. Political relations
Latvia became a NATO and EU member in 2004, and its relations with Greece were thus strengthened even further. For many years, there have been parliamentary friendship groups in both countries.
On 13.1.2010, Alternate Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas visited Riga, where he had meetings with the Latvian Finance Minister, Mr. Einar Repse, and Foreign Minister, Mr. Maris Riekstins. The then Greek Prime Minister, Mr. Kostas Karamanlis, visited Riga on the occasion of the NATO summit held on 29-30 November 2006. Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Valinakis also visited the country in March 2005 within the framework of an EU member states meeting on the 2007-2013 Financial Perspectives.
V. Cultural relations
Greek-Latvian cultural relations are governed by the Agreement on Cultural, Educational and Scientific Cooperation (signed in Athens on 17.3.1999 and ratified on 27.6.2001).
Riga University has a chair of Classical Literature which includes a Centre for Greek Studies, offering an optional Modern Greek module to students from different schools also. Greece offers the Centre’s students the possibility to attend Modern Greek summer courses based on a special agreement between Athens University and Riga University, whereas teachers have attended summer seminars on Greek language and civilization at the Universities of Crete, Ioannina, Athens, and Thessaloniki.
Latvia’s capital city Riga has submitted a bid as joint European Capital of Culture in 2014 (decision to be finalised in the course of 2010).
VI. Greek community
Very few Greeks and some Latvians of Greek origin, mostly mixed-marriage children, live in the country.
Last modified: February 2010