Marking 105 years since Latvia’s international recognition (de iure), on 15 January 2026, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, Jean-Noël Barrot, will make a working visit to Latvia. On 15 January, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, will also organise a joint meeting of the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Baltic States – the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia, Margus Tsahkna.
The ministers plan to discuss further support for Ukraine’s self-defence, the containment and deterrence of Russia, cooperation between the EU and NATO, the strengthening of transatlantic relations, as well as security and defence of the Euro-Atlantic area.
A separate meeting of Baiba Braže and Jean-Noël Barrot, the laying of flowers at the Freedom Monument, and a visit to the unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturer Edge Autonomy are among the events planned during the bilateral visit.
The “3+1” format of meetings between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Baltic States and France was started in Paris on 26 January 2021 to strengthen the strategic partnership between the Baltic States and France.
For the attention of the media!
Photo and video coverage:
- 10:15 – arrival of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, and France at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Official photo (atrium, 1st floor);
- from 11:30 to 12:00 – joint press conference of all ministers (press conference room, 1st floor). Languages: Latvian – French – English with simultaneous interpretation;
- 15:50 – the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, and the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, Jean-Noël Barrot, lay flowers at the Freedom Monument.
Media representatives are invited to register their participation by 14 January at 16:00 by sending an email to: media@mfa.gov.lv.
Kindly ensure you arrive on time, at least 20 minutes prior to each event.
The press conference will be broadcast live on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as on its Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube accounts.