Relations between Latvia and the Argentine Republic are friendly and constructive. However, the geographical distance and the problems Argentina faces due to the economic crisis of recent years hinders a more dynamic development of the relations between both countries.

History of diplomatic relations

On 28 March 1922, Argentina recognised the Republic of Latvia de iure. The Diplomatic mission of the Republic of Latvia in Buenos Aires, which was active from 1935 to 1946 and led by Dr Peteris Olins, continued activities after the USSR had occupied the State of Latvia.

On 26 August 1991, Argentina was the first Latin American state to recognise the independence of the Baltic states and expressed its readiness to establish diplomatic relations.  On 26 September 1991 in Riga, a joint communiqué on the establishing of diplomatic relations between the two states was signed. In March 1992 in Riga, the first Ambassador of Argentina to Latvia, Gaston de Prat Gay, was accredited, with residence in Moscow. With the accreditation in November 1993, of the next Ambassador of Argentina Hugo Augusto Urtubey, Argentina delegated its embassy in Helsinki with responsibility for relations with Latvia. From 26 August 1997 to February 2001 the Ambassador of Argentina to Latvia was Silvio H. Neuman, whereas from 25 September 2001 to 19 May 2005, the Ambassador of Argentina to Latvia was Alfredo Corti. Ambassador Lila Subirán de Viana was accredited on 16 May 2006 in Riga.

Over the course of time, particularly at the beginning of the 20^th century, the second largest Latvian community in Latin America after Brazil was formed in Argentina, consisting of several thousands of immigrants from Latvia. At present there are approximately 450 Latvians residing in Argentina and this may be viewed as a factor towards the facilitation of closer relations between the two countries.

From 30 April 1993 to 15 May 1996, Latvia's interests in Argentina were represented by Honorary Consul Adolfs Bruziks. Since 1997, Mirdza Restbergs de Zalts has been appointed Honorary Consul of Latvia to Argentina. As a new honorary consul is due to be appointed, the Honorary Consulate is temporarily closed.

No Honorary Consuls of Argentina are appointed in foreign countries as this is not a standard practice.

Visits and meetings

Economic relations 

Trade

(According to the data of the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia)

January – December 2006

• Exports

1. Lithuania –  626,740,647 EUR or 14.11 % of total exports from Latvia

2. Estonia– 538,234,608 EUR or 12.12 %

3. Germany – 447,816,470 EUR or 10.07 %

4. Russia – 415,342,445 EUR or 9.37 %

5. United Kingdom – 352,497,937 EUR or 7.93 %

...

85. Argentina – 556,280 EUR or 0.01 %

• Imports

1. Germany – 1,278,230,457 EUR or 15.02 % of total imports to Latvia

2. Lithuania – 1,090,232,705 EUR or 12.81 %

3. Russia – 710,081,879 EUR or 8.32  %

4. Estonia – 642,801,715 EUR or 7.56 %

5. Poland – 596,234,160 EUR or 7.01 %

...

53. Argentina – 3,048,753 EUR or 0.04 %

In 2006, Latvia had a negative trade balance with Argentina totalling  – 2,492,473 EUR.

Main exports to Argentina by type of goods, 2006

Main imports from Argentina by type of goods, 2006

Trade dynamics between Latvia and Argentina (1998-2006, EUR)

Investment

(according to data of the State Enterprise Register available at Lursoft database)

As of 1 August 2007, four Argentinean - Latvian joint ventures were listed in the State Enterprise Register of Latvia, with the total investment in the equity of these enterprises of 6,580 LVL.

Agreements

Two agreements ensure a visa–free regime with Argentina:

1) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Argentine Republic on Visa Requirement Suppression for Holders of Diplomatic and Official or Service Passports

2) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Argentine Republic on Suppression of Visas in Ordinary Passports

In the process of approval:

The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Argentine Republic on Co-operation in Prevention of Misuse of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances, and in Related Combat of Illicit Trafficking and Crime.

Contacts

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Argentina: http://www.mrecic.gov.ar

The Embassy of the Republic of Argentina in the Republic of Finland: http://www.embargentina.fi 

Brief information about Argentina