Relations between Latvia and Luxembourg [25 Feb 2009] |
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The Republic of Latvia and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg enjoy friendly bilateral relations. Mutual interest in developing bilateral co-operation is stimulated by common future and opportunities for co-operation within the EU and NATO. At present there is a regular political dialogue between both countries, including the exchange of visits and political consultations. History of diplomatic relations Luxembourg did not recognise the annexation of the Baltic States by the USSR in 1940-1991 neither de iure nor de facto. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were restored on 21 April 1992. Until 2008 the interests of Luxembourg in Latvia were represented by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Riga. On 6 May 2008 the first Ambassador of Luxembourg (with residence in Warsaw) was accredited in Latvia. From 10 November 2004 Latvia has the Honorary Consul in Luxembourg - Mr Henri Diederich. Accreditations: Ambassadors of the Republic of Latvia:
Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg:
Economic cooperation Economic co-operation and the volume of trade between Latvia and Luxembourg is relatively small. Trade turnover is growing, however, import of goods from Luxembourg exceeds export several times. In 2008 Latvia had a negative trade balance with Luxembourg in amount of -110 197 707 EUR. Latvian exports to Belgium consist mostly of vehicles (81%). Main import commodities from Luxembourg are products of the chemical industry and base metals /articles of base metals. Main export commodities by type of commodity in 2008, EUR
Main import commodities by type of commodity in 2007, EUR
Trade dynamics between Latvia and Luxembourg from 2004 to 2008, EUR
Direct investments of Luxembourg in Latvia In the end of 2008 Luxembourg direct investments in Latvia reached 117,1 million Latvian lats (source: Bank of Latvia). The main part of investments (38%) has been directed towards real estate sector. According to the information from Lursoft data base, 63 Luxembourgian – Latvian joint ventures have been listed with the Register of Enterprises of the Republic of Latvia. As of May 2009, investments from Luxembourg in the equity capital of Latvian companies amounted to 29,81 million Latvian lats (source: Register of Enterprises). The largest investors in Latvia are: 1. Contaq Latvian Cable Holding S.a.r.l. Co-operation in areas of culture and education As part of the EGMUS (European Group on Museum Statistics) project, regular cooperation takes place between the Latvian State Board of Museums and Luxembourg's Ministry of Culture, Higher Education and Research. The goal of the project is to summarise information on the activities of the European museums and develop common statistical methodology. Latvia and Luxembourg have also launched joint cultural projects, one of them being a performance by trumpet virtuoso Pierre Kremer from Luxembourg at the festival Restart Beach on 1 April 2005 in Riga. The University of Latvia has established co-operation with the University of Luxembourg under the project Campus Europae. Co-operation in other areas As part of the programme INTERREG IIIC, co-operation also takes place in the field of regional development and municipal affairs to ensure harmonious and balanced development in the entire European territory. Under this programme, Latvian and Luxembourgian partners participate in the implementation of the R.E.N.E. (Rural Extension Network Europe) project. Most significant visits
Agreements Database of bilateral agreements between the Republic of Latvia and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Link on the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg – http://www.mae.lu | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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