Relations between the Republic of Latvia and the Arab Republic of Egypt are friendly and constructive. Close bilateral co-operation has been established in the areas of culture and science. Latvia is building its relations with Egypt within the framework of the EU-Egypt dialogue and of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (EMP) - the Barcelona Process.

History of diplomatic relations

On 7 September 1991, Egypt recognised the Republic of Latvia de iure. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on 23 January 1992. The first Ambassador of Egypt to Latvia, H.E. Hamdi Mohammad Ibrahim Nada, was accredited on 15 October 1992 (resident in Stockholm, Sweden). The current Egyptian Ambassador to Latvia, H.E. Samah Mohamed Sotouhy, was accredited on 11 October 2005.

Latvian representation in Egypt

As of 13 September 1995, Latvia is represented in Egypt by Honorary Consul Mr Saad El Aguizy. On 11 November 2006, Honorary Consul Saad El Aguizy was presented a Latvian State award - the Cross of Recognition (III class).

On 28 October 2000 in Cairo, Mr Andris Vilcans was accredited as the non-resident Ambassador of Latvia to Egypt (resident in Riga).

Joint inter-governmental committee

Since 1996, the Latvian-Egyptian inter-governmental committee has convened three times. A number of agreements have been signed during these meetings.

Parliamentary co-operation

From 8 to 17 May 1998, at the invitation of Egypt's National Assembly and the Ministry of Tourism, a delegation of the Saeima (Parliament of Latvia) and the government visited Egypt.

From 16 to 24 April 1999, a delegation of the Saeima, including Imants Burvis, Secretary of the Latvian-Egyptian parliamentary co-operation group (LC - Latvian Way); Oleg Denisov, member of the Saeima (PCTVL- For Human Rights in United Latvia) and other government representatives and businessmen visited Egypt.

On 21 November 2002, a Latvian-Egyptian parliamentary co-operation group was established under the 8^th Saeima. The group consisted of 11 members. Mr Igor Solovjev (TSP - National Harmony Party) was elected Chairperson of the group, Mr Alexander Golubov (PCTVL - For Human Rights in United Latvia) - Deputy Chairperson, and Ms Jevgenija Stalidzane (LPP - Latvian First Party) -secretary of the group.

Bilateral economic relations 

Trade (according to data from the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia)

1^st quarter 2007

Export: USD 267,575 or 0.02 %

Import: USD 5,170,434 or 0.06 %

Trade dynamics between Latvia and Egypt 

Until this time, Latvia has had a positive trade balance with Egypt (with a tendency to even up the difference), whereas as of the 1^st quarter of 2007, the balance was negative - USD 4,902,859.

Main export commodities to Egypt by type of commodity in the 1^st quarter of 2007

Type of commodity	USD	Percentage of total exports
Timber and timber products	152,057	56.83 %
Machinery and equipment, electric appliances	43,938	16.42 %
Products of chemical and allied industries	37,422	13.99 %
Mineral products	33,495	12.52 %
Plastics and products thereof, natural rubber and rubber articles	575	0.21 %

Main import commodities from Egypt by type of commodity in the 1^st quarter of 2007

Trade dynamics between Latvia and Egypt from 1998 to the 1^st quarter of 2007  

Year	Export	Import
1998	9,297,279	209,629
1999	8,015,241	243,395
2000	14,432,837	214,848
2001	12,504,103	207,703
2002	10,872,281	432,510
2003	12,649,999	1,264,567
2004	5,414,667	810,777
2005	4,999,238	1,226,613
2006	8,164,917	6,672,989
1st quarter 2007	267,575	5,170,434

Investment (according to data from Lursoft)

As of 8 August 2007, five Latvian - Egyptian joint ventures were registered in Latvia (retail trade, real estate). Egypt's investment in equity of Latvia -registered companies amounted to LVL 10,300 (73^rd  place with regard to investment volume).

Most significant visits

In July 1995, a delegation from Latvia's Foreign Ministry arrived on a working visit to Egypt.

In May 1997, Foreign Minister Valdis Birkavs made an official visit to Egypt.

On 18-19 April 2006, Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks made an official visit to Egypt.

Bilateral agreements

• Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt on Economic, Technical and Scientific Co-operation;
• Agreement between the Republic of Latvia and the Arab Republic of Egypt relating to Scheduled Air Services;
• Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt for the Promotion and Protection of Investments;
• Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt on Co-operation in the Field of Tourism;
• Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Arab Republic of Egypt on Cultural Co-operation.

Contact information

Mr Andris Vilcans, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Latvia to Egypt

Address: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Brivibas blvd. 36, LV-1395

Ms Rita Pastere, Chargé d'Affaires a.i.

Address: 22nd Floor, Off. Nr. 2224, North Tower, Nile City Towers,

Cornich El Nil, P.O. Box 14, Ramlet Boulack 11 624, Cairo, Egypt

Telephone: 00 202 2 461 85 87

Fax: 00 202 2 461 87 28

E-mail: embassy.egypt@mfa.gov.lv

Mr Saad El Aguizy, Honorary Consul

Address: 22 bDr. Taha Hussein Str., Zamalek, Cairo, Egypt

Telephone: 202 2 738 02 73; 202 2 738 05 14

Fax: 202 2 736 52 69

E-mail: ruaguizy@rusys.eg.net