Diplomatic relations and exchange of visits

Diplomatic relations between Latvia and Afghanistan were established on 16 February 1928.

Afghanistan recognised the renewal of Latvia's independence on 7 September 1991.

On 18 January 2005, the diplomatic relations with the Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan were renewed.

On 7 December 2004, a Latvian delegation led by the Latvian Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Igors Apokins, participated in the inauguration ceremony of the President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai in Kabul. 

Representatives from the Latvian National Armed Forces have been participating in the ISAF (International Security Assistance Forces) mission since February 2003. In accordance with the UN Security Council's resolution No.1707 of September 12, the term of the ISAF mission is determined 13 October 2007.

From 25 to 27 May 2006, the Latvian Minister of Defence Atis Slakters visited Afghanistan.

Co-operation between the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia and the National Assembly of Afghanistan has not yet been commenced.

Latvia has not executed any agreements with Afghanistan.

Latvia and Afghanistan co-operate within International organisations.

Economic co-operation 

Economic relations between Latvia and Afghanistan are still to be developed and trade turnover is minimal. In 2005, an increase in was observed in export trade, and no import was registered.

Statistics of trade between Latvia and Afghanistan (2003 - 2005)

YEAR	Export LVL	Import LVL
2003	380,600	15,309
2004	194,938	0
2005	240,813	0

Investments  (in accordance with the Bank of Latvia)

As at the end of 2005, no direct investment by Afghanistan has been registered in Latvia.

In May 2006, 9 Afghanistan – Latvian joint ventures were registered with the Republic of Latvia Enterprise Register (Lursoft data base). The main operations were hotel and restaurant business, and wholesale of food, beverages and tobacco.