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The Republic of Latvia, demonstrating its respect for values of democracy and human rights, has joined the conclusions adopted by the Council of the European Union on 31 January 2005 with regard to the position of the EU in the relations with Cuba.
On 25 November 2004 the Saeima (Latvian parliament) founded the Latvia-Cuba interparliamentary co-operation group.
History of diplomatic relations
The Republic of Cuba recognised Latvia on 10 September 1921; after restoring independence - on 9 December 1991.
Diplomatic relations between Latvia and Cuba were established on 20 December 1991.
As of the end of 1993 until September 1998 there was Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Riga. Later it was moved to Helsinki and at present covers also Latvia.
Cuba's Ambassador is not accredited in Latvia.
Economic cooperation
Trade (according to the data of the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia)
Year 2005
EXPORTS
1. Lithuania - USD 508,475,828 or 10.44% of total Latvian exports
2. Estonia - USD 503,341,001 or 10.33%
3. UK - USD 495,507,397 or 10.17%
4. Germany - USD 491,767,487 or 10.10%
5. Russia - USD 402,303,286 or 8.26%
âÀ¦
162. Cuba - USD 489 or 0.00%
IMPORTS
1. Germany - USD 1,111,125,953 or 13.58% of Total Latvian imports
2. Lithuania - USD 1,102,421,169 or 13.47%
3. Russia- USD 735,127,202 or 8.98%
4. Estonia - USD 633,062,517 or 7.73%
5. Poland - USD 509,018,236 or 6.22%
âÀ¦
81. Cuba - USD 241,258 or 0.00%
Latvia has a negative trade balance with Cuba amounting to USD 240,769.
Main exports to Cuba in 2005, by type of goods
|
Type of goods |
KUSD |
Proportion of total exports |
|
Total |
0.489 |
100% |
|
Transport vehicles |
0.28 |
57% |
Main imports from Cuba in 2005, by type of goods
|
Type of goods |
KUSD |
Proportion of total imports |
|
Total |
24.12 |
100% |
|
Food industry products |
24.12 |
100% |
Trade dynamics between Latvia and Cuba from 1998 to 2005, USD
|
Year |
Export |
Import |
|
1998 |
4,764 |
415 |
|
1999 |
64,105 |
- |
|
2000 |
- |
1,164 |
|
2001 |
22,135 |
27,103 |
|
2002 |
37,105 |
25,152 |
|
2005 |
489 |
241,258 |
Investments (according to the data of the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia)
As at the end of 2005, no investment in the equity of Latvian-registered enterprises was made by Cuba.
As at 1 May 2006, 19 Cuban - Latvian joint ventures were listed in the State Enterprise Register of Latvia.
Dynamics of Cuban investments in 1998-2002
|
Year |
Investments, MUSD |
|
1998 |
- |
|
1998 |
- |
|
1999 |
- |
|
2000 |
- |
|
2001 |
26.8 |
|
2002 |
46.0 |
|
2005 |
0.0 |
Most significant visits and meetings
|
11 September 1998 |
Latvia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Valdis Birkavs received Charge d'Affairs of Cuba Jose Lozano, who had arrived on a farewell visit. |
Contractual basis - Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Republic of Cuba on Trade and Economic Co-operation (signed on 7 February 1992, effective as from 24 October 1994, signed for an indefinite term), and Protocol on turnover of goods (signed and effective on 7 February 1992);
- Agreement between Latvia's Postal Authority Latvijas Pasts and Postal Authority of the Republic of Cuba on express mail traffic (signed on 10 March 1993).
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