Latvian and Icelandic bilateral relations may be described as very good. Co-operation between the two countries is based on belonging to the same geographical region and on common values and interests in the issues of European economic and political integration and security.

History of Diplomatic Relations

Iceland was the first country to recognise the independence of Latvia and the other Baltic states in August 1991. Diplomatic relations between Latvia and Iceland were renewed on 22 August 1991. The present Ambassador of Iceland, in Latvia since 14 March 2006, is Hannes Heimisson, residing in Finland. Latvia is represented in Iceland since 26 October 2005 by Ambassador Māris Klišāns, residing in Norway.

Co-operation between Latvia and Iceland

Since the renewal of independence, the closest bilateral co-operation of Latvia and Iceland has evolved in the areas of culture and education. During recent years economic co-operation, too, has become active.

Active co-operation with Iceland is ongoing within the framework of co-operation between the Baltic and Nordic states and other regional forms and initiatives.

Economic co-operation

As at 16 November 2006, direct Icelandic investments in Latvia amounted to 8,589,425 LVL.

On 9 November 2006, there were 49 Iceland - Latvia joint ventures registered with the Latvian Register of Enterprises.

(Lursoft)

On 4 October 2006, a business and tourism seminar Go to Latvia was organised in Iceland with support of the Latvian Embassy in Norway.

During the first half of 2005, Iceland held 22^nd place in the Latvian export market – to the value of 15,808,891 USD or 0.7% of total exports, but imports from Iceland reached 2,000,837 USD or 0.05% of total imports. In 2005 Latvia had a positive trade balance with Iceland in the amount of 13,808,054 USD.

Latvia imports mainly food items, machinery, electrical equipment and plastic articles, but exports wood and wood products, articles of base metals and textiles.

Parliamentary co-operation

 As of 10 June 2004, the Latvian-Icelandic parliamentary co-operation group is operating at the Saeima. No corresponding group has yet been founded at the Alting.

Close Parliamentary co-operation is also ongoing in multi-lateral areas and the Baltic Assembly, co-operating with the Nordic Council.

Co-operation in Home Affairs

In 2003 within the framework of Nordic and Baltic states women's police officers network, an experience-exchange visit was organised for representatives of the Icelandic Police.

Co-operation in welfare issues

During the period 2003 to January 2005, a project on Women in business and agriculture was implemented. The purpose of the project was to encourage women to become more actively involved in business and agriculture, identifying obstacles as well as defining motivations for women to start a business. As a result of the project a group of advisers was established, a round-table discussion was organised and a report prepared on the situation and opportunities for women in business and agriculture.

Co-operation in culture and education

In August 2001, the "Kopavagur" Arts Museum hosted an exhibition of Baltic fine arts dedicated to the 10^th anniversary of independence of the Baltic states.

In the autumn of 2001, several events took place in Iceland as part of the Baltic States Culture Festival – a concert by Aija Kalnciema, an exhibition of textiles by Barbara Abele and Holgers Elers, a film show and literary afternoons with Valdis Muktupavels and Knuts Skujenieks participating. In the summer of 2002, the Jurmala City Museum hosted a photography exhibition titled Iceland - the Land of Ice in Summer. Later in 2002, a collection of paintings titled "Rembrandt and Contemporary Painters" from the collection of the Latvian Foreign Art Museum was exhibited in the Akureyri Art Museum.

In July 2004 the mixed choir "Alafoss" gave concerts in Riga and Ventspils but in November 2004 a photography project, exhibition Icelanders. Between Ice Fields and Lava by photographer Kaspars Goba and journalist Ieva Puķe was opened at the information office of the Council of Nordic Ministers. Also in November 2004, a week of Icelandic films was held at the cinema "K.Suns", organised by the information office of the Council of Nordic Ministers.  During 2005 – 2006 the film studio "Deviņi" (Nine) is producing a new film with support of Danish and Icelandic film makers. Representatives of Denmark and Iceland will provide consultations during shooting of the film on selection of actors etc., and will participate in producing and recording the film.

Since 1992, the Ministry of Education and Culture of Iceland offers one scholarship annually for studies in Icelandic language and literature at the University in Reykjavik;

On 27 September 2006, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia organised an exhibition International recognition of Latvia in 1991 in honour of the 15^th anniversary of renewal of independence of the Republic of Latvia. A special guest at the event was the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iceland Jón Baldvin Hannibalsson whose active political activity at the beginning of the 1990s contributed significantly to the renewal of Latvian independence.

Mutual visits

Data base containing information on bilateral agreements: Republic of Iceland

Links to the Republic of Iceland

Ministry of FoeignAffairs of the Republic of Iceland: http://www.mfa.is