Flickr
On 10 September 2026, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dace Melbārde, met with Gordan Grlić-Radman, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia, in Riga. During the meeting, the representatives of Latvia and Croatia welcomed the deepening of the bilateral relations between the two countries and discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation in the fields of security, defence and the economy. The parties reaffirmed their shared position on key items on the EU agenda, including the EU Multiannual Financial Framework and EU enlargement, and emphasised the need to strengthen the EU and NATO external borders and to continue providing unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s aggression.
The parties expressed satisfaction with the development of bilateral relations between Latvia and Croatia, as evidenced by closer political contacts, an increase in foreign trade and successful cooperation in the field of defence. Cooperation is already taking place between Latvian and Croatian drone manufacturers. Dace Melbārde expressed her gratitude for Croatia’s contribution to security in the Baltic region through the presence of a Croatian military contingent participating in the NATO Multinational Battlegroup in Lithuania.
The meeting also addressed issues on the EU agenda, including negotiations on the EU Multiannual Financial Framework. The parties agreed on the importance of defending the shared positions and interests of Latvia and Croatia, as members of the Friends of Cohesion group, in the upcoming budget negotiations. The parties reaffirmed their support for the progress of Ukraine and Moldova, as well as the Western Balkan countries, towards the EU, based on each candidate country’s progress in implementing reforms.
The discussion also addressed the challenges faced by both Latvia and Croatia as countries bordering the EU and NATO, including the necessary measures to strengthen their borders. Dace Melbārde briefed Gordan Grlić-Radman on the instrumentalisation of migration and the hybrid attacks carried out by Belarus and Russia. Latvia and Croatia are united in their unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s aggression and emphasised the need to provide even broader military and humanitarian assistance. Gordan Grlić-Radman highlighted the expertise Croatia has provided to Ukraine in the areas of the country’s reconstruction and social security for veterans. Dace Melbārde also expressed support for Croatia on its path towards joining the OECD.