Flickr
As part of her working visit, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Takeshi Iwaya, for a discussion on bilateral relations, security challenges to Europe and the Indo-Pacific region, and economic cooperation. The Ministers discussed Latvia’s priorities for its term on the United Nations Security Council (2025-2027) and cooperation in international formats, including the European Union and NATO, where increased attention is paid to cooperation with Japan and the region.
Foreign Minister Baiba Braže:
“Let me thank Japan for its comprehensive support to Ukraine, the imposition of sanctions against Russia, and its active role in the G7 format, including in relation to achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and containing the aggressor. Japan is aware of the global consequences of Russia’s aggression, especially considering the active involvement of North Korea and other authoritarian regimes in the war. Earlier this year, we concluded a strategic partnership with Japan, which is an important partner to Latvia. Our countries have very good bilateral relations, with a great potential for growth in the economic and security sectors.”
The Ministers welcomed the Strategic Partnership signed between the two countries this year, while placing an emphasis on further work for its implementation. Baiba Braže and Takeshi Iwaya agreed that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific regions is closely linked and that they are facing similar security challenges, in particular, the global consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, as well as subconventional threats from authoritarian regimes – sabotage of critical infrastructure, including threat posed by the Russian shadow fleet, disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks. The Latvian Foreign Minister invited Japan to join the Drone Coalition, which would provide a number of new practical opportunities.
In Tokyo, the Minister discussed bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in the areas of security, trade and innovation with Hirofumi Nakasone, Chair of the Japan-Latvia Parliamentary Cooperation Group. Baiba Braže then met with Kenichiro Sasae, President of the Japan Institute of International Affairs, other officials and security experts.
ECONOMY
Japanese companies Marubeni Corp., Mitsui Group, Yokohama Rubber Co. and Daikin Global are already successfully operating in Latvia. Latvian businesses Fortes Energy, Rāmkalni, Long Chips, Grindex, Latvijas Finieris and other companies have successfully entered the Japanese market.
Japanese entrepreneurs appreciate Latvia’s friendly regulation for start-ups. Several Japanese companies have expressed interest in cooperation with Latvian start-ups operating in the fields of biotechnology, climate control and other new technologies, as well as in several investment projects.
Exports of Latvian goods to Japan in the first six months of this year amounted to 28.9 million euros, and imports – 19.4 million euros. Both countries are interested in developing cooperation in the defence industry, including drone technologies, microchip manufacturing and testing, the space industry and artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, as well as science, innovations and their commercialization.
While in Nagoya, which is Japan’s industrial hub with the largest port in terms of total cargo throughput, the Foreign Minister had a discussion with Hideaki Ōmura, Governor of Aichi Prefecture, on expanding economic cooperation, and participated in a business seminar titled “Latvia: Northern Europe’s Gateway to a Competitive Future” at the Nagoya Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Baiba Braže is the first Latvian politician visiting Nagoya.
Visiting Osaka, Baiba Braže will deliver an address in a seminar organised by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) on innovations in aerospace and the commercialisation of science. The Minister will meet with businesspeople at the Expo 2025 Osaka and visit the pavilions of the EU, Ukraine, Italy, France, and Japan.
The Minister will also meet with other officials, Latvia’s Honorary Consuls in Nagoya and Osaka, as well as giving interviews to major Japanese media – Chunichi Shimbun, Nikkei Asia, and NHK.
The Latvian Foreign Minister is in Japan (Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka) for a working visit from 18 to 20 September.