Iraq recognized the independence of Latvia on 1 January 1992. On 15 October 2004, Latvia established diplomatic relations with Iraq. Relations between the two states are friendly and constructive.

Latvia has not concluded any bilateral agreements with Iraq.

In 2005, a project entitled Latvian Government's Assistance to Iraq in the Documentation of Architectural and Archaeological Objects with Photogrammetric Methods was implemented, during which Latvian experts shared their experience in the preservation of historical and cultural heritage in Egypt, thus providing training to Iraqi monument protection experts in the digital documentation of heritage sites. Three Iraqi heritage conservation specialists participated in the training. The Latvian delegation was led by architect Bruno Deslandes and included also two doctoral students from the Geomatics Department of Riga Technical University: Maris Kalinka and Grigorijs Goldbergs.  

Latvia in the multinational force

Latvia's participation in the mission (Operation Iraqi Freedom, OIF) in Iraq was commenced in May 2003. In 2006, the military personnel of the National Armed Forces serve in the Polish-led multinational division. The current number of Latvian soldiers in Iraq is 126. After almost four years of work in Iraq, Latvia's armed forces in have accomplished their mission which since the beginning of the operation has been to assist the Iraqi government and the newly established security forces in taking over responsibility for ensuring security and stability in Iraq. Presently three military personnel form the National Armed Forces are serving at headquarters.

The mandate of the Saeima has been extended until the end of 2008.

Latvia's contribution to EUJUST LEX (strengthening of the rule of law) mission

In 2007, Latvia with two experts on human right issues participated in training courses organised by Denmark as part of the EU Integrated Rule of Law Mission for Iraq EUJUST LEX. As part of the mission, training is provided for high and middle ranking Iraqi officials from police, the criminal justice system and prison administration. The mandate of the mission has been extended until 30 June 2009.

Economic co-operation

Latvia's foreign trade with Iraq in 2007 (in thousand EUR, data of the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia)

No imports from Iraq were registered in 2007.

Visits

• From 17 to 20 May 2007, Defence Minister Atis Slakteris visited Iraq and met with Latvian troops. During the visit, the Defence Minister also had meetings with the Iraqi Defence Minister Abdul Qader, Ryan Crocker, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, General Pavel Lamla, Commander of the Multi-National Division, and the commanding officers of the Multi-National Force and the Multi-National Corps.
• From 28 June to 1 July 2006, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Atis Slakteris was on a working visit to Iraq, where he met with Latvian troops, commanding officers of the Multi-National Force in Iraq, Abdul Qader, the Iraqi Defence Minister, Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, and commanding officers of NATO Training Mission in Iraq. 
• From 3 to 13 December 2004, representatives from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Affairs of Iraq visited Latvia. The programme of the visit was prepared as part of a project within Latvia's technical assistance programme to Iraq. The project was implemented in association with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments (LALRG). The training programme included topics related to the experience of Latvian local authorities in the organisation of elections and in the implementation of reforms.
• In 2003, Latvian Foreign Minister Sandra Kalniete visited Iraq.

Website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq:

http://www.iraqmofa.net/index.aspx