Political Relations

Türkiye recognized the independence of Latvia in 1925. The first Turkish Embassy in the Baltics was opened in Riga in 1929. The occupation and annexation of Latvia by the Soviet Union was never recognized by Türkiye. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, diplomatic relations between the two countries were re-established on 3 September 1991, and the Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation was signed on 12 July 1994.

Türkiye's support for Latvia's NATO membership and Latvia’s support for Türkiye's EU membership process further strengthened our cooperation.

The last visit at Presidential level was made to Latvia by the President of Türkiye on 22-23 October 2014. Latvian Foreign Minister paid a visit to Türkiye on 15 August 2022.

Economic Relations

Source : Turkish Statistical Institute (million Dolar)

Main export items: Jewelry, parts and accessories for road vehicles, central heating boilers, iron and steel products, fruit

Main import items: Grain, iron and steel, timber and wooden goods, mineral fuel and oil, mineral products.

Direct investments from Latvia to Türkiye during 2002-2023 amounted to 92 million Dollars. Turkish direct investments in Latvia in the same period were 89 million Dollars.

Türkiye-Latvia Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) held its first meeting on 9 July 2020.

Nearly 118 thousand Latvian tourists visited Türkiye in 2023.

Cultural, Educational and Consular Relations

Around 800 Turkish citizens live in Latvia.

Within the framework of the Erasmus+ student exchange program 1.621 Turkish students went to Latvia and 430 Latvian students came to Türkiye in the period of 2014-2023.