On 4–5 February 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, was on a working visit to the Kingdom of Norway (Tromsø and Oslo). During a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Espen Barth Eide, she discussed bilateral and regional cooperation, support for Ukraine’s self-defence and efforts to contain Russia, cooperation in the economy and defence sector, transatlantic relations, and security matters in the Arctic and the Baltic Sea region.
The Ministers condemned Russia’s barbaric attacks on Ukraine and terror against civilians: “Last night, Russia launched 185 missiles and drones, hitting power stations, substations, and residential buildings. Russia is a terrorist state. We condemn Russia’s barbaric attacks on Ukraine.”
Baiba Braže discussed cooperation in the fields of economics and new technologies with the Minister of Trade and Industry of Norway, Cecilie Myrseth. Both Ministers participated in the Arctic Frontiers conference, in a panel discussion titled Building up the Arctic. Baiba Braže stressed that security in the Arctic and the Baltic Sea region is closely linked, and that the Arctic plays a vital role in the security of both NATO and the EU.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže:
“It is a great pleasure to meet my colleague and friend Espen today, on 5 February, as we celebrate 105 years of diplomatic relations between Latvia and Norway. We discussed bilateral cooperation and cooperation among the Baltic Sea countries, transatlantic cooperation, preparations for the NATO Summit in Ankara, strengthening defence capabilities, cooperation in the UN, and other matters.
I am grateful for Norway’s support for Ukraine, especially for its contribution to strengthening Ukraine’s capabilities, including through the leadership of the NB8 joint training initiative LEGIO.
We agree that there is no indication of Russia being prepared to stop its aggression against Ukraine. Allies must continue to provide maximum support for Ukraine’s self-defence and maintain continuous international pressure on Russia, especially through sanctions and restrictions on the shadow fleet.
During her visit to the University of Tromsø, the Minister met Vice-Rector Jonas Stein, visited the University’s Centre for Geopolitics, Peace and Security, and discussed security challenges in the northern region with students and researchers. The University of Tromsø is the northernmost university in the world and one of the world’s leading universities in Arctic and polar research.
At the Norway Quantum House (Norsk kvanteklynge), a research-based quantum competence centre that brings together Norwegian quantum researchers and entrepreneurs, Baiba Braže familiarised herself with the work of the Quantum House and discussed potential opportunities for collaboration, including Latvia’s outstanding and internationally recognised achievements in all three main areas of quantum technology, i.e. quantum algorithm development, quantum sensor development, and quantum communications.
The Minister also met with representatives of Kongsberg Gruppen, a Norwegian technology and defence company, and discussed potential opportunities for cooperation.
She also met representatives of the Latvian diaspora at the Embassy of Latvia in Oslo to discuss current foreign policy matters and the community’s involvement in cultural and civic life, particularly ahead of the upcoming elections.
Arctic Frontiers is an annual international conference organised in Tromsø, Norway, which has been held since 2007. It brings together scientists, business representatives, policymakers, and representatives of local and indigenous communities to discuss the future of the Arctic region.