On 7 September 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, welcomed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, and signed a protocol between Latvia and Armenia on the implementation of the EU-Armenia readmission agreement, which will strengthen cooperation between the two countries in combating illegal migration. The Minister expressed support for deepening relations between Armenia and the European Union (EU), as well as between Latvia and Armenia. The Ministers also discussed cooperation in the fields of ICT, digitalisation and cybersecurity, support for Ukraine, and the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed satisfaction with the increasingly active political dialogue between Latvia and Armenia, commended Armenia’s democratic resilience and the conduct of its parliamentary elections, and highlighted Armenia’s ability to resist Russia’s destabilising influence.
The Ministers discussed the rapid development of relations between Armenia and the EU. The first EU–Armenia summit took place in Yerevan in May this year, and Armenia recently hosted a meeting of the European Political Community. The Minister reaffirmed Latvia’s support for Armenia’s choice to build closer ties with Europe and its readiness to continue supporting Armenia’s reform process, including by sharing Latvia’s experience with EU integration.
The EU–Armenia Resilience and Growth Plan allocates EUR 270 million to strengthen Armenia’s socioeconomic resilience, connectivity and trade, as well as to diversify its energy sector. The parties also discussed opportunities for EU–Armenia cooperation in the fields of transport, energy and digital technology.
Baiba Braže and Ararat Mirzoyan agreed on the potential to expand cooperation between Latvia and Armenia in the areas of ICT, digitalisation and cybersecurity. These issues were also on the agenda during Baiba Braže’s visit to Yerevan in May, including in talks with the Minister of High-Tech Industry of Armenia. Latvia is interested in fostering closer ties between businesses and experts in the two countries.
The Ministers also discussed the EU–Armenia visa liberalisation dialogue and the promotion of people-to-people contacts. Direct connectivity between the two countries is also facilitated by airBaltic’s flight between Riga and Yerevan, supporting business and tourism.
When discussing Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Baiba Braže emphasised the need to continue strong support for Ukraine. She emphasised that the principles of international law, State sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. Latvia continues to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities and advocates continued pressure on Russia.
The parties welcomed progress in the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Baiba Braže emphasised that a sustainable peace would open up new opportunities for the entire South Caucasus region in terms of transport connectivity, trade, energy and people-to-people contacts.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Baiba Braže and Ararat Mirzoyan signed the Protocol between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Republic of Armenia on the implementation of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Armenia on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation. The agreement establishes the procedures for the readmission of persons and will strengthen cooperation between the relevant authorities of Latvia and Armenia in combating illegal migration.
