Relations between Latvia and Croatia have been developing successfully and dynamically. Active political dialogue is taking place between the countries. Both countries are interested in broadening trade and economic co-operation. Co-operation in culture and defence takes a prominent place in the relations of both countries.

Latvia supports Croatia's aspirations to join the European Union and NATO and is ready to share its experience and knowledge by providing expert consultations in the field of integration in the European Union.

Latvia appreciates Croatia's achievements of becoming an EU member state and, thus, becoming an example to follow for other Western Balkan countries. 

History of Diplomatic Relations 

Croatia recognized the independence of Latvia on 28 August 1991. The Supreme Council of Latvia took a decision on the recognition of independence of the Republic of Croatia on 9 October 1991. Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of Croatia were established on 14 February 1992.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to Croatia was Ms Iveta Sulca, residing in Prague (since 14.03.2002). Since 27 October 2005, the Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Latvia is Mr Svjetlan Berkovic (residing in Stockholm).

On 22 July 2005, during the official visit of the Prime Minister of Latvia, Aigars Kalvitis, to Croatia, the first Latvian Honorary Consulate in Croatia was opened in Zagreb headed by the Honorary Consul Davor Sarin.

Parliamentary co-operation

On 11 December 2003, a Latvian-Croatian parliamentary co-operation group consisting of seventeen members was established in the Saeima headed by Nikolajs Kabanovs, a member of the Parliamentary group For Human Rights in a Unified Latvia (PCTVL). The vice-chairman of the group is Oskars Kastens, member of Latvia's First Party (LPP).

In the Parliament of Croatia (Sabor), the Latvian-Croatian parliamentary friendship group operates, led by Miroslav Korenika, member of the Social-Democratic Party (SDP).

Economic co-operation 

Trade (according to data provided by the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia):

Year 2005

• Exports:  

1. Lithuania – EUR 410,800,645 or 10.44 % of the total amount of Latvian export

2. Estonia – EUR 405,691,012 or 10.33 %

3. Great Britain – EUR 397,190,196 or 10.17%

4. Germany – EUR 396,227,566 or 10.10 %

5. Russia – EUR 324,893,805 or 8.26 %

54. Croatia – EUR 2,460,201 or 0.06% 

• Import: 

1.Germany – EUR 897,582,695 or 13.58 % of the total amount of Latvian import

2. Lithuania – EUR 892,205,779 or 13.47%

3. Russia – EUR 588,791,146 or 8.98%

4. Estonia – EUR 511,121,913 or 7.73%

5. Poland – EUR 410,763,813 or 6.22%

43. Croatia – EUR 5,058,420 or 0.08%

Latvia has a negative trade balance with Croatia. Its value is EUR 2,624,219.

In 2005, Latvia's external trade turnover with Croatia constituted 7.5 million EUR (0.1% of the total trade turnover); in comparison with 2004, it had increased by more than one third.

In 2005, import from Croatia constituted 5.1 mil. EUR; in comparison with 2004, it has increased by 20%.

In the years following 1999, Latvian export to Croatia decreased; however, as from 2002, there has been increase in export: in 2005, it increased by 55% in comparison with 2004 and constituted 2.5 million EUR.

In 2005, the main exports to Croatia were transport vehicles (47%) and products of light industry (20%). The main imports from Croatia in 2005 were products of the chemical and allied industries (57%), and food industry products (28%).

As from 2001, the total amount of Croatian investment in Latvia gradually increased and was worth 101.8 thousand LVL in 2004. As of 29 March 2006, two Croatian - Latvian joint ventures were registered in the Latvian Enterprise Register.

Trade between Latvia and Croatia in 2002 – 2005, in EUR

Co-operation in culture 

In October 2003, the Minister of Culture of Latvia, Ms Inguna Ribena, participated in the conference of the European Ministers of Culture in Opatija, Croatia.

On 4 June 2004, the Minister of Culture of Croatia, Bozo Biskupic, visited Latvia and participated in the opening of the European-scale International Sculpture Quadrennial Riga 2004.

On 3 – 6 October 2004, the Minister of Culture of Latvia, Helena Demakova, was on a working visit in the Republic of Croatia. During the visit, the Culture Ministers of both countries signed a programme for cultural co-operation between the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of Croatia for 2004 – 2006. The program envisages that culture ministries of both countries will promote co-operation between institutions of culture and art, between professional organizations and associations; and will support mutual participation in music, dance and theatre festivals, international art exhibitions, international assemblages and competitions, and in other non-commercial activities organized by both countries.

On 17 – 20 March 2006, the National ballet troupe of Croatia visited Latvia to participate in the Baltic Ballet festival.

In 2006, the Latvian National Opera has scheduled to participate in the Opera Music Festival in Dubrovnik.

Among members of the Latvian Writers' Union there are also translators from the Croatian language, - Dagnija Dreika and Knuts Skujenieks have translated poetry by the Croatian poets Antun Gustav Matos, Augustin Tin Ujevic, Vladimir Nazor, Paula Preradovic etc.

Exchange of visits 

Most Significant Agreements

Database of bilateral agreements:  The Republic of Croatia