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From 2 February to 4 February 2026 in Paris, as part of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Eurasia Week, the Under-Secretary of State for Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ivita Burmistre, attended a high-level meeting to discuss policy reforms and regional cooperation in Central Asia and the EU Neighbourhood region.
At the meeting, Ivita Burmistre highlighted the extensive experience of Latvian experts and the private sector in economic and development cooperation within the European Union’s Eastern Neighbourhood and Central Asia, and noted Latvia’s readiness to expand cooperation. She reaffirmed Latvia’s support for Ukraine’s reforms to facilitate its accession to the European Union (EU) and the OECD.
Ivita Burmistre emphasised that Latvia shares its knowledge on how digitalisation can support the implementation of reforms by addressing governance and capacity challenges and improving the business environment: “Latvian entrepreneurs are developing solutions, and experts are providing advice, to support Ukraine and Moldova in adopting EU legislation and standards, and to assist Uzbekistan in developing digital innovations and strengthening governance in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
Our civil society organisations’ projects in Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and elsewhere in the world have demonstrated that educating women in STEM fields and empowering them in entrepreneurship are closely linked to countries’ socio-economic growth.”
At the meeting, Latvian Ambassador to the OECD Andris Pelšs chaired a session on Ukraine’s recovery, during which the OECD report on consolidating Ukraine’s recovery architecture was presented. Latvia also contributed to its development by sharing its experience in coordinating support for Ukraine, particularly with a focus on the restoration and digitalisation of social infrastructure. The OECD continues to provide substantial support to Ukraine in implementing reforms in democracy, the rule of law, and good governance as it progresses towards membership of the EU and the OECD. Latvia supports the continuation of OECD reform assistance and has confirmed its readiness to share its expertise and knowledge with Ukraine.
During Eurasia Week, Ivita Burmistre met with Andreas Schaal, Director for OECD Global Relations and Cooperation, to discuss the global relations agenda of the OECD, with a particular focus on implementing Ukraine’s national programme. Andreas Schaal expressed his strong appreciation for Latvia’s consistent and active participation in OECD initiatives, including the Eurasia Competitiveness Programme, its leadership of the Group of Friends of Ukraine, and its support provided thus far. The significance of Latvia’s expertise in supporting reforms and building institutional capacity in the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood and Central Asia was emphasised.
In a meeting with František Ružička, Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD for Global Relations, Cooperation with the UN, and Education, Employment and Social Affairs, the OECD’s work priorities were discussed, including the importance of continued support for Ukraine, progress in the OECD enlargement process, and preparations for the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting scheduled to take place from 3 June to 4 June.
OECD Eurasia Week
It is a regular, high-level OECD policy and expert forum that brings together government officials, international organisations, business leaders, and researchers to discuss policy reforms and regional cooperation in Central Asia and the EU Neighbourhood.