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On 15 May 2026 in Riga, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, met with Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), to discuss international security, implementation to the nuclear test-ban, and the strengthening of the CTBT verification system.
During the meeting, the Foreign Minister reaffirmed Latvia’s strong support for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and its universalisation, and emphasised the need to continue international efforts to facilitate the treaty’s entry into force. The Minister recalled Russia’s decision to withdraw its ratification of the CTBT and its aggressive nuclear rhetoric, which threatens international security and undermines disarmament efforts.
The parties also discussed the need to strengthen the International Monitoring System (IMS) and prevent violations of the ban, including the conduct of new nuclear tests.
The Foreign Minister emphasised the organisation's significant contribution to the monitoring and verification of nuclear tests, thereby strengthening the international arms control and non-proliferation architecture. The Minister emphasised that Latvia is actively contributing to international security, both as a member of the UN Security Council and through the role of Latvia's Ambassador to Vienna, Raimonds Oškalns, who serves as Chairperson of the CTBTO Preparatory Commission this year and coordinates the political work of CTBTO Member States.
At the conclusion of the talks, the sustainability of the IMS and the need to ensure adequate funding for the system’s further development were also discussed. Latvia expressed satisfaction that, with the support of the organisation, the Latvian National Data Centre began operations in 2025, thereby strengthening the CTBT verification system.
CTBTO Executive Secretary Dr Robert Floyd was on a working visit to Riga, Latvia, from 14 to 15 May 2026. During the visit, he also met with Andžejs Viļumsons, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and officials from the Ministry of Climate and Energy. Dr Robert Floyd also met with researchers from the Latvian Institute of International Affairs, delivered a guest lecture at Rīga Stradiņš University, and visited the Latvian CTBTO National Data Centre at the House of Nature of the University of Latvia.
