Visit of the Latvian Embassy

This month, the Diplomatic Committee had the opportunity to visit the Embassy of Latvia, where we gained valuable insights into the country’s identity, foreign policy, and vision for the future. We had the pleasure of meeting H.E. Ms Aiga Liepiņa, Ambassador of Latvia, and engaging in a thoughtful exchange on these topics.

Latvia, a parliamentary republic with its capital in Riga, is home to approximately 1.9 million people. Despite its small size, the country hosts 46 diplomatic representations and plays a vital role in the Baltic region. Latvians describe themselves through three pillars: nature, culture, and heritage a reflection of their deep connection to the land and their roots. Over 50% of Latvia is covered by land and forest, reinforcing this bond with the natural world.

Although multilingual, Latvians remain strongly attached to their national language, which forms a core part of their identity. The Latvian flag, one of the oldest in the world, carries a legendary story: it is said to have originated from a wounded leader wrapped in a white sheet, stained with his blood, creating the distinctive red-white-red pattern.

Latvia sees its geographical location as a strength “well positioned in the Baltics” and has built strong cooperation with the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8), focusing on stability, security, and defense. Since the war in Ukraine, Latvia has reinforced military collaboration with its neighbors and increased its support to Ukraine. A major national priority today is the development of its armed forces and defense capabilities, reflecting growing regional security concerns.

Latvia’s foreign policy is centered on three key objectives: security, economic development, and promoting the interests of Latvians abroad. It is currently campaigning for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term. If elected, this would mark the first time in Latvian history. Their motivation is deeply rooted in gratitude for the international order that enabled their independence and protected their cultural sovereignty. Now, Latvia aims to contribute actively to this same order, especially in defending principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, notably in support of Ukraine.

The visit was a compelling reminder of Latvia’s resilience, diplomacy, and commitment to a stable and secure international system. As the ambassador emphasized, the United Nations remains a crucial platform for negotiation, multilateralism, and peacebuilding—values that Latvia is proud to uphold on the global stage.

We warmly thank the Latvian Embassy for welcoming us and for generously sharing their time and insights with our Committee.