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From 21 to 23 April 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, visited Azerbaijan, where she met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, to discuss the expansion of economic cooperation, as well as current issues on the regional and international agenda. The Minister also met with Latvian entrepreneurs at a business forum hosted by Azerbaijan.
During the visit, the Latvian delegation attended the Latvia–Azerbaijan Business Forum in Baku, which brought together entrepreneurs from both countries and facilitated the identification of new cooperation opportunities. The forum served as a platform for establishing contacts and developing practical cooperation projects, particularly in export-oriented and innovation-based sectors. At the forum, the Minister of Foreign Affairs met with Latvian entrepreneurs and discussed opportunities for expanding cooperation between the two countries.
In a conversation with Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, attention was focused on opportunities to strengthen economic ties between the two countries, including cooperation in trade, transport, and logistics, as well as in education, science, and innovation. Last year, trade turnover between Latvia and Azerbaijan increased by 24%, with Latvia’s main export goods being food, chemical industry products, pharmaceuticals, and livestock products.
The officials discussed current issues on the regional and international agenda, including the progress of the Azerbaijan–Armenia peace process. Baiba Braže praised the positive dynamic in the dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia and expressed hope that a peace treaty between the two sides would soon be signed and ratified.
Discussing Azerbaijan’s relations with the EU, Baiba Braže commended their progress and emphasised that they have significant potential for development in the coming years, particularly in the fields of energy and connectivity, including the development of the potential of the Trans-Caspian transport route. The two ministers also discussed the situation in the Middle East and its impact on both countries. Baiba Braže expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan’s contribution to the de-escalation of tensions.
The ministers discussed support for Ukraine. Baiba Braže expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan’s humanitarian aid to Ukraine and emphasised the importance of closer cooperation with the EU in preventing sanctions evasion in order to limit support for Russia’s war. During the talks, the Minister also emphasised the need to continue exerting pressure on Russia, including by expanding sanctions until the end of the war of aggression and the settlement of reparations.
During the visit, the Foreign Ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Latvian and Azerbaijani Ministries of Foreign Affairs on cooperation in consular matters. This agreement will strengthen cooperation in the exchange of consular information and experience.
The meeting took place during the official visit of the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, to Azerbaijan from 21 to 23 April.
