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On 28 January 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, welcomed the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden, Maria Malmer Stenergard, on a working visit. The Ministers discussed bilateral relations between Latvia and Sweden, including economic cooperation, current regional security issues, transatlantic relations, support for Ukraine, EU multiannual budget priorities, and EU enlargement.
Maria Malmer Stenergard visited Swedish soldiers at the Ādaži military base, laid flowers at the Freedom Monument, and addressed Latvian ambassadors at the annual meeting of diplomatic missions.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže:
“Sweden is a reliable friend, neighbour, and strategic ally of Latvia. We have close historical ties and excellent bilateral relations in the areas of security and economics. Our cooperation is close both bilaterally and within the NB8, EU, NATO, UN, and other formats. It is a great pleasure to welcome a friend and colleague, Maria Stenergard, during the week of the 105th anniversary of Latvia’s international recognition de jure.
I express my gratitude for Sweden’s significant contribution to strengthening security and defence in the Baltic Sea and Eastern Flank regions, including the presence of the Swedish battalion in the NATO Multinational Brigade in Ādaži. Last week, approximately 500 Swedish battalion soldiers arrived in Latvia with new capabilities, including air defence. We appreciate Sweden’s readiness to participate in NATO’s Baltic air policing.
We have close cooperation in various formats in the area of sanctions. We are currently developing a strong 20th sanctions package and preparing new proposals to combat the “shadow fleet”.
We share a common view – there is no indication that Russia is ready to stop its aggression against Ukraine. Maximum support for Ukraine’s self-defence and continued pressure on Russia must continue.
We commend the NATO missions Baltic Sentry and Eastern Sentry launched last year, which demonstrate both NATO’s unity and its practical deterrence capabilities. It is important to continue strengthening the capabilities of NATO allies, to rapidly implement the historic Hague decision, and to be able to demonstrate real progress in increasing defence spending to 5% of GDP at the upcoming summit in Ankara.”
The Ministers discussed transatlantic relations, the situation in the Arctic and the Middle East, the development of the European Defence Industry and current EU issues – EU enlargement and the EU’s multiannual budget priorities, including in relation to strengthening the external borders of the EU and NATO, as well as strengthening the security of strategic underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea region.
The Ministers condemned Russia’s barbaric attacks on Ukraine: “We condemn Russia’s barbaric attacks on Ukraine – the bombing of cities, energy systems, civilian infrastructure – homes, hospitals, schools, and kindergartens. The “freezing” of the Ukrainian people. Last night, Russia carried out a targeted attack with combat drones on a passenger train carrying more than 200 people. At least four people have been killed. Russia is a terrorist state.”
Sweden is Latvia’s fifth largest trading partner and largest investor. Both countries have great potential to develop cooperation in areas such as ICT, bioeconomy, energy, digitisation, military industry, research and innovation.