Diplomatic relations between Latvia and Israel were established on 6 January 1992. In October 1992, Israel opened its embassy in Latvia, which is so far the only Israeli embassy in the Baltic states. Since 21 February 1995, a Latvian embassy has been operating in Israel.

Latvia and Israel engage in an intensive mutual dialogue, exchange high level visits, have signed a large number of bilateral agreements, and co-operate in a number of international organisations. A wide network of contacts has developed between people active in the areas of culture and social concerns as well as between members of the general public.

History of diplomatic relations

Diplomatic contacts between Latvia and Israel were established on 17 August 1928, when by the Cabinet of Ministers orders, Mordechai Caspi was appointed as the Latvia's Honorary Consul in Jerusalem. In 1932, Honorary Consul Caspi was awarded the Order of Three Stars.

Following the incorporation of Latvia into the USSR, all of Latvia's honorary consulates were closed and the heads of Honorary Consular representations, including Mordechai Caspi, were relieved of their duties. However, Mordechai Caspi did not consider directives of the Government of the then Latvian SSR and a third country, the USSR as legally binding, and continued to fulfil his consular functions under the direction and leadership of the Latvian Embassy in London, until his death in 1947.

Latvian Ambassadors in Israel:

• Karlis Eihenbaums since 9 September 2004 -
• Janis Lovniks January 2000 - 1 May 2004
• Ivars Silars 19 January 1995 - 2000.

Israeli ambassadors to Latvia:

Israel opened its first Embassy in the Baltic states in October 1992 in Latvia.

• Chen Ivri since 12 September 2006
• Gary Koren 26 August 2003 17 July 2006
• Abraham Benjamin November 2000 - July 2003
• Oded Ben-Hur 1996 - 1999
• Tova Herzl 1992 - 1996

There are two Latvian Honorary Consuls in Israel:

• Assaph Caspi, in Eilat from17 May 2004
• Sara Allalouf, in Ashdod from 7 July 1997

Latvia - Israel bilateral co-operation

Parliamentary co-operation

During the 17th Knesset of Israel, an Israel - Latvia Parliamentary friendship league was established under the leadership of Avigdor Yitzhaki.

On 16 November 2006 a group of Deputies chaired by Boriss Cilevics, was established at the Saeima for co-operation with the Israeli Parliament.

Economic co-operation

As of 1 May 2004, Latvia - Israel bilateral economic and trade relations are regulated by the European Union and Israeli Association agreement signed on 20 November 1995 and in force since 1 June 2000. The economic interests of Latvia are represented in Israel by two public representatives of the Latvian Investment and Development Agency: Haim Ariel and Dace Uljanova.

Latvia sees a large potential for enhancing economic relations with Israel. The necessary pre-requisites for attracting Israeli investments and increasing trade between the two countries have been established through entering into force of the following inter-governmental agreements: on 9 May 1995 - on promotion and reciprocal protection of investments; on 22 August 2002 – on mutual assistance in customs matters; on 20 October 2002 – on co-operation in the field of tourism. On 1 January 2007, the application of the Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital became effective.

Trade

Although over recent years the Latvian – Israeli trade turnover has significantly increased (from nearly EUR 12 million in 2004 to over EUR 20 million in 2006), there still exists a considerable unexplored commercial potential between the two countries.

As of the first half of 2007, Latvian – Israeli trade turnover amounted to EUR 10 million. Latvia's exports to Israel constituted ~ 3,609,645 EUR (0.15%), ranking it 36^th among Latvia's export partners; whereas Latvian imports from Israel amounted to EUR 6,541,156 EUR (0.14%), ranking it 38^th among Latvia's incoming trade partners.

Latvia's main export commodities to Israel are prepared foodstuffs (32%), and wood and articles of wood (28%). Latvia imports from Israel mainly prepared foodstuffs (30%), and machinery and mechanical appliances (27%). A significant percentage of Latvia's export to Israel is also made up by the production of a/s Latvijas finieris.

Main exports to Israel by type of commodity, Q2 2007

Main imports to Latvia by type of commodity, Q2 2007

Trade dynamics between Latvia and Israel in the period of 2000 – 2Q 2007, million EUR

Investment

The attraction of investment is a direction with a high potential for Latvian-Israeli economic co-operation. Notwithstanding the comparatively large number of Latvian-Israeli joint ventures - 228 (principal investors being private persons), the accrued direct Israeli investment in Latvia as of 2^nd quarter of 2007, amounts to a little more than 0.3 million LVL. Latvian direct investment in Israel is estimated to be of an equal amount.

Breakdown by sector of accrued Israeli investment into equity of Latvian companies:

Source: Lursoft

Promotion of business contacts

Co-operation in international organisations

Latvia values the established co-operation with Israel within the UN system, and believes that the mutual support between Latvia and Israel in voting on UN structures may be considered a significant form of co-operation between the two countries in the area of multilateral relations.

Co-operation in culture, education and science

Co-operation between Latvia and Israel in the fields of culture, education and science is regulated by the Agreement on co-operation in these fields (came into force on 7 November 1995). On basis of the original Agreement, a programme for co-operation for the years 2007-2010 between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the State of Israel in the fields of culture, education and science was signed between 11-14 March 2007.

Latvian–Israeli co-operation in the fields of culture, education and science is advancing and intensifying: regular exhibitions and concerts are held, both countries offer scholarships for studies or research; co-operation between universities of the two countries has been initiated, including an exchange of students and teachers.

• In 2006, a co-operation agreement on student exchange was concluded between the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga and the University of Tel Aviv.
• In the field of higher education the most active co-operation has been effected by the University of Latvia, the Latvian Academy of Sports Pedagogy, the Latvian Christian Academy, The Riga Technical University and the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga:
  • The Faculty of Physics and Mathematics of the University of Latvia co-operates with the Technical University of Haifa and the Weizmann Institute of Science;
  • The J.Vitols Latvian Academy of Music co-operates with the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance under the Association of Academies of Music of the Baltic Region;
  • The Faculty of Humanities of the Daugavpils University co-operates with the Hebrew University in Jerusalem (conferences and the research of Hebrew literature and culture are organised);
  • The Latvian Academy of Sports Pedagogy continues co-operation with the Wingate Institute for Physical Education and Sport;
  • The Latvian Christian Academy has been involved since 1994 in the EMMAUS international project. The co-operation agreement provided for participation in archaeological excavations in Israel;
  • The Faculty of Material Sciences and Applied Chemistry of the Riga Technical University co-operates in research with the Ben Gurion University of the Negev;
  • Opportunities to attend continuing education courses in the MASHAV programme are offered regularly, but participation is limited as students are required to cover their own travel, food and lodging costs.
• In 1992, the Latvian Academy of Science and the Ministry of Science and Technology of Israel signed an indefinite-term memorandum. On 5 July 1999, the Latvian and Israeli Academies of Science signed an agreement of co-operation in science. The parties regularly exchange latest information, advise each other of current news in academic life, and prepare joint publications.
• As of September 2006, the Department of Asian Studies of the University of Latvia offers a new study programme in Judaic studies, ancient Hebrew, modern Hebrew and culture.

Music, dance

• From 22- 25 December 2006, the Latvian Radio Choir, together with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra and soloists of international renown, gave festive concerts in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
• From 8-10 October 2006, a children's music and art festival "The sounds of childhood" (Tzlilei Yaldut) took place in Israel. Students of the Riga School of Choreography gave a performance of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
• On 30 April 2006, the Sephardic Ensemble from Spain gave a concert at the Riga Jewish Community House.
• In August 2005, the children's choir Pa'amon from Israel took part in the International Girls' and Children Choir Festival in Riga.
• In March 2005, representatives from Israel took part in the international choir conductors' competition Riga 2005
• In 2005 the ballet troupe of the Latvian National Opera gave performances of The Yellow Tango and Swan Lake at the Suzanne Dellal Dance Centre in Tel Aviv.

Literature, Art

• On 30 May 2007, a presentation of the book A History of the Jewish People (Ebreju tautas vesture), translated by Ilmars Zvirgzds.
• On 24 May 2007, a Latvian photographic exhibition Stories of Riga was opened in Netanya, Israel.
• rom 2 to 31 March 2007, an exhibition Illustrations to children's books by Israeli artists was displayed in the National Library of Latvia.
• From 14 September to 1 October 2006, the Jurmala City Museum hosted an exhibition titled Allegory/Allegro non Troppo by Israeli photography artist Boaz Tal.
• On 3 May 2006, exhibitions The Latvian Jewish Community: History, Tragedy, Renewal and Latvian Children Draw the Old Synagogues were opened at the Jewish Museum in Prague.
• On 21 February 2006, at the Jerusalem Jewish Heritage Centre Hechal Shlomo, President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, and Moshe Katsav, the President of the State of Israel, opened the exhibition titled Latvian Children Draw the Old Synagogues, which also provided information on Latvian Jews. The exhibition is still on display.

Theatre

On 3 November, a seminar Rainis and the Holy Land took place at the Latvian National Theatre during which the exhibition Rainis in the Holy Land was opened. The project was implemented in co-operation with the Latvian National Library, Museum of Literature, Theatre and Music, the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Latvian Embassy in Israel and the Israeli Embassy in Latvia

On 29 October 2005, a play on the life of Zanis Lipke, a rescuer of Jews, One of You premiered at the Riga Russian Drama Theatre.

From 2-4 June 2005, at the theatre festival in Jerusalem, a troupe of the Riga Russian Drama Theatre performed the play The Seagull by Anton Chekhov, directed by the German director Peter Stein.

Cinema

• On 31 August 2006 the University of Latvia hosted the premiere of a documentary 3000 kilometres to the Promised Land by Andris Gauja.
• From 31 March to 6 April 2006 an Israeli cinema week was held at the K.Suns cinema in Riga, organised by the Israeli Embassy in Latvia
• In 2005 Latvian films were shown at a number of festivals in Israel: in April, Water Bomb for the Fat Tom-Cat, directed by Varis Brasla, at the Eilat International Film Festival; in July, Shalom Germania, directed by Herz Frank, at the Jerusalem Film Festival.

Museums

In March 2006, the Riga City Council Monuments Committee voted unanimously to establish a memorial museum to Zanis Lipke, a rescuer of Jews, in Kipsala, Riga. On 21 March 2007, the Riga City Council Development Committee supported allocation of LVL 11,000 from the Riga City Development Fund for building the memorial.

Two of Latvia's museums have a long-standing partnership with Israel. The Jews in Latvia Museum co-operates in research with the Yad Vashem Memorial, the University of Jerusalem and the Association of Latvian and Estonian Jews in Israel and the Bauska Local Studies and Art Museum.

Archives

Although Latvian and Israeli archives presently are not bound by any professional co-operation agreements or projects, the State Archives of Latvia regularly provide information to physical and legal entities on questions of interest and have participated in other activities:

• Since September 2004, the State Archives of Latvia have registered and processed more than 120 applications from physical and legal persons in Israel.
• The Latvian State Historical Archive participated in the project titled Names, implemented by the University of Latvia Judaic Studies Centre. The project is a part of an ongoing co-operation with the Yad Vashem and Archives Kibbutz Shefayim, and its aim was to compose a list of Latvian Jews - victims of the Holocaust.
• The Latvian State Historical Archive and the Latvian National Cinema Documentary Archive prepared a book titled Latvia. Synagogues and Rabbis, 1918 - 1940, published in 2004 as part of the project In Memory of Rabbi Natan Barkan, implemented by the Riga and Latvia Jewish Religious Congregation Shamir.

Sister cities

Two Latvian cities have signed friendship agreements with Israeli partners:

• On 17 November 2003, the Daugavpils City Council signed a co-operation agreement with Ramle;
• On 8 December 2000, the Tukums Town Council signed a co-operation agreement with Bney-Ayish.

The Jewish Community in Latvia

Jewish cultural heritage and its remembrance is an integral part of Latvia's culture.

The Government of Latvia is engaged in a close co-operation with the Jewish community of Latvia, which has a positive impact upon Latvian-Israeli bilateral relations. Latvia has the largest Jewish community in the Baltic states –an estimated 10,336 people.

According to the data on the Register of Enterprises, 24 Jewish public organisations and their associations are presently listed in Latvia;

According to the data of the Administration of Religious Affairs, 13 Jewish religious organisations are presently registered;

On 16 March 2003, the Council of Latvian Jewish Congregations and Communities was established (Chairman - Arkadijs Suharenko).

On 7 February 2007, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Artis Pabriks, awarded the Foreign Ministry's certificate of appreciation to Rabbi Menachem Barkan in recognition of his contribution to the integration processes and to raising public awareness in Latvia of the Jewish culture and its deep-rooted traditions.

With financial assistance from the EU and the State of Latvia, the Council of Latvian Jewish Congregations and Communities has commenced renovation works to the only synagogue in Riga, on Peitavas Street. The works are planned to be accomplished by summer 2008. At the same time, with funding of the Council of Latvian Jewish Congregations and Communities, a building next to the synagogue is also being renovated, and will house the Jews and the Holocaust Museum.

In 2007, the Council of Latvian Jewish Congregations and Communities, in association with the Rezekne City Council initiated the restoration of the wooden synagogue – a cultural heritage monument. The project envisages that after the renovation, the building will function both as a place of worship and a cultural and tourism centre.

Holocaust research, remembrance and education

Latvia devotes great attention to the questions of the Holocaust education, research and remembrance.

As a member state of the International Holocaust Task Force, Latvia closely co-operates with Israel and various world organisations in the implementation of Holocaust education, research and remembrance.

Latvia voiced its support to the Resolution condemning any denial of Holocaust, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 26 January 2007, and co-sponsored the Resolution on Holocaust Remembrance adopted by UNESCO on 1 November 2007.

In Latvia, the subject of the Holocaust is included in the school history programme and state exams.

Latvia's history teachers receive financial support from the Ministry of Education and Science to participate, on regular basis, in the international seminars for history teachers, organised by Yad Vashem centre.

In December 2006, Prof. Aivars Stranga attended the International Conference Marking the 60^th Anniversary of Nuremberg Trials "Holocaust and Justice", organised by Yad Vashem.

Latvia, on a regular basis, holds events of international significance, devoted to the Holocaust research and to Jewish culture and literature:

Between 11-14 December 2006, the Sixth International conference Jews in a Changing World was held by the University of Latvia, the Council of Latvian Jewish Congregations and Communities and the Academy of Sciences of Latvia;

Between 4-5 July 2006, an international conference The Holocaust: Remembrance and Lessons. The patroness of the conference was President Vaira Vike- Feiberga;

On 16 October 2007, the Embassy of Latvia in Poland organised a public lecture The History of Jews in Latvia at the Jewish Historical Institute of Poland.

The Commission of Historians of Latvia has prepared and published a series of academic research papers on 20^th century Latvia. Four of twenty-one volumes of papers by the Commission of Historians are devoted to Holocaust research issues in Latvia. The Holocaust-related themes are indirectly considered also in other volumes.

During the first half of 2007, after a request from the History Teachers' Association of Latvia, all Latvia's secondary schools and vocational schools received as a gift presentation the full set of papers by the Commission of Historians of Latvia.

The Centre for Judaic Studies of the University of Latvia has completed the significant The Latvia Holocaust Jewish Names Project. Its purpose was to recover the names and identities of the members of the Latvian Jewish Community who perished as a result of the Holocaust.

On 4 July 2007 in Riga, by the ruins of the Choral Synagogue, a monument to Zanis Lipke, a rescuer of Jews, was unveiled. President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks both delivered speeches.

On 30 July 2007, an exhibition organised by the Jewish Religious Congregation Shamir and titled Children of Latvia draw and write about the Holocaust and discrimination was opened at the House of Blackheads. President Valdis Zatlers and Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks took part at the opening.

For the second year running, the wider public in Israel have an opportunity to acquaint themselves with the display of a unique project Children of Latvia Draw the Old Synagogues.

On 14 November 2006, the map Latvia. Synagogues. Jewish Cemeteries. Burials of Holocaust Victims was published. The books Jews in Latvia and Jewish Tradition by Mendel Bobe, published by Jewish Religious Congregation Shamir were also presented.

On 11 April 2006, a more than 150-year-old synagogue was unveiled after restoration in Daugavpils.

On 6 December 2005, the book A Star in the Dark (Ka zvaigzne tumsa) was presented to commemorate Zanis Lipke, a rescuer of Jews.

On 18 August 2005, an international conference From the Past to the Future: Learning about the Holocaust in the Context of Public Education took place in Riga.

On 4 July 2005, the University of Latvia round table discussion on issues and problems of the XX century in Latvia was held. The event took place in co-operation with the Chancellery of the President of Latvia and the Latvian Historians' Commission among events marking a Remembrance Day for the victims of genocide against the Jewish people. President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, and Simone Veil, President of the French Holocaust Remembrance Fund, participated in the discussions.

On 29 June 2005, a monument to the inmates of the Nazi concentration camp Riga - Kaiserwald and auxiliary camps was unveiled. The project was supported by the Riga City Council and the German Embassy in Riga.

On 3 June 2005 in Skede, a memorial was unveiled to the Jews of Liepaja - Holocaust victims (about 19,000 people). The project was initiated by the public fund Heritage of the Liepaja Jews (Liepajas ebreju mantojums).

On 16 May 2005, an exhibition titled Latvian Children Draw the Old Synagogues was opened at the Congress Hall in Riga and a catalogue of the works submitted to the competition was presented.

From 11 to 16 April 2005, the annual conference of the Association of European History Teachers EUROCLIO took place in Riga, during which the issues of Holocaust education were discussed.

In April 2005, the 14^th volume of papers by the Commission of Historians The Hidden and Forbidden History of Latvia under the Soviet and Nazi Occupations, 1940-1991 was published.

The Riga and Latvia Jewish Religious Congregation Shamir has published a book Latvia. Synagogues and Rabbis, 1918- 1940 in Latvian, English, Ivrit and Russian in a single volume, dedicated to Natans Barkans, Senior Rabbi of Riga and Latvia, under the restored statehood of Latvia.

Exchange of visits

Visits by Latvian officials to Israel

13 November 2007	Latvian-Israeli political consultations in Jerusalem. The Latvian delegation headed by Edgars Skuja, the Ministry of foreign Affairs Under- Secretary of State
12-13 March 2007	A session of the Latvia – Israel Intergovernmental Committee in Jerusalem, during which the Programme on Co-operation in the Fields of Culture, Education and Science for 2007-2010 was signed
19-22 February 2007	Official visit to Israel by Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks. The Minister met with Shimon Peres, Deputy Prime Minister of Israel; Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni; Major-General Pietro Pistolese, Head of the European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EU BAM Rafah). During his visit, Minister Pabriks presented the Foreign Ministry Certificates of Recognition to Eli Valk, Chairman of the Association of Latvians and Estonians in Israel and to Dov Milman, its Honorary President, for their contribution to the facilitation of the integration process and bilateral relations
9-11 May, 2006	Working visit to Israel by Martins Roze, Minister of Agriculture. The Minister met with Shalom Simchon, Minister of Agriculture of Israel and visited the Agritech international agricultural exhibition
6-9 March 2006	Janis Kazocins, Director of the Latvian Constitution Protection Bureau, during his visit to Israel, signed the agreement between the Governments of Latvia and Israel on co-operation in the area of classified information
19-22 February 2006	State visit by President Vaira Vike- Freiberga. On her visit, the President was accompanied by Krisjanis Karins, Minister of Economy; Oskars Spurdzins, Minister of Finance; Martins Roze, Minister of Agriculture and a large delegation of entrepreneurs
5-10 January 2006	Boriss Cilevics, Chairman of the Latvia - Israel Parliamentary co-operation group, participated at the 7th International conference of Jewish Ministers and Parliamentarians in Jerusalem
14-17 March 2005	Visit to Israel by Ina Druviete, Minister of Education and Science. The Minister attended the opening of the new Yad Vashem Museum in Jerusalem
16-18 February 2005	Visit to Israel by Edgars Rinkevics, State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence. A Memorandum of Understanding on industrial co-operation in defence matters was signed
9-16 April 2004	Visit to Israel by Sergejs Dolgopolovs, Deputy Mayor of the Riga City Council; participation in the international conference of municipal executives on The Role of Mayors in Times of Crisis
21-24 March 2004	Visit to Israel by senior executives of the Criminal Police Department of the Riga City Central Police Authority, and the International Affairs Bureau of the State Police Authority.
2-3 June 2003	The fourth Latvia - Israel political and economic consultations take place in Jerusalem
1-5 December 2001	Visit to Israel by Janis Straume, Speaker of the Saeima
22 January to 5 February 1998	Visit to Israel by President Guntis Ulmanis of Latvia

Visits by Israel's officials to Latvia

14-17 May 2007	Visit to Latvia by experts from the Center for Political Research of the Foreign Ministry of Israel.
12-15 February 2007	Visit to Latvia by Israel – Latvia Parliamentary friendship league
9-11 November 2006	Meeting of senior officials (30) from Israeli ministries and national agencies with Gunta Veismane, Director of the State Chancellery and the Chancellery staff with the aim of getting acquainted with Latvia's experience in public administration issues
20-21 September 2005	State visit to Latvia by President Moshe Katsav of Israel
21 June 2005	The second Latvia - Israel economic and political consultations in Riga. The Israeli delegation was headed by M. Shofer, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel
23-24 August 2004	Visit by a delegation of Israeli State Security experts on special security measures for civil aviation flights at the Riga Airport
13-14 May 2004	Visit by Ambassador Harry Kneital, Head of the Center for Political Research of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, and centre's analyst C. Mirkin, for holding consultations with experts of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence, the Saeima, et al
17-19 September 2003	Visit to Latvia by the Chairman of the Knesset, Reuven Rivlin
18-22 November 2001	Visit by Israel's Infrastructure Minister, Avigdor Lieberman, accompanied by a business delegation
January 1999	Visit to Latvia by Dan Tichon, Chairman of the Knesset

Participation in international events

19-21 December 2006	Prof. Aivars Stranga from the University of Latvia, member of the Historians Commission of Latvia attended the conference Holocaust and Justice, organised by Yad Vashem and devoted to the 60th anniversary of the Nuremberg Trials
8-9 November 2006	Ruvins Ferbers, representative of the Academy of Sciences of Latvia attended the annual Israeli Prime Minister's Conference on Export and International Co-operation, Israel's largest business forum
24-29 September 2005	Minister of Welfare Dagnija Stake, attended the international conference Migration and Gender Aspects as part of the Millennium Development Goals in Haifa, Israel
3-10 April 2005	The Special Assignments Envoy, Gints Jegermanis, and the Saeima Secretary, Janis Smits, attend a seminar for diplomats and Parliamentarians organised in Israel by the American Jewish Committee
8-12 November 2004	Ambassador Karlis Eihenbaums; a Latvian delegation; Prof. Imants Freibergs, President of the Latvian IT&T Association; and entrepreneur Sols Bukingolts, representative of the Board of the Latvian Jewish Communities, participated in the annual exhibition and conference Telecom Israel 2004, as well as the 3rd Prime Minister's Conference on Exports and International Co-operation. The Latvian delegation held meetings with Ehud Olmert, the Israeli Vice Prime Minster, Shimon Peres, Chairman of the Labour Party
1-8 June 2004	The 4th World Congress of Latvian Jews

Legal framework

Since 4 May 1990, thirteen Latvian - Israeli bilateral agreements have been signed.

Database containing information on bilateral agreements: State of Israel

Agreements in preparation:

• A Latvia - Israel draft agreement on social security is presently being prepared;
• A Latvia - Israel draft agreement on co-operation in the areas of health and medicine as well as a draft co-operation plan are presently being prepared.

Links:

Foreign Ministry of the State of Israel

The Embassy of Israel in the Republic of Latvia