Canada–Latvia relations
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Canada–Latvia relations are foreign relations between Canada and Latvia. Canada re-recognized Latvia’s independence on August 26, 1991. Both countries re-established diplomatic relations on September 3, 1991. Canada has an embassy in Riga. Latvia has an embassy in Ottawa and three honorary consulates in Montreal, Victoria and Toronto.
Both countries are full members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and of NATO.
Political relations
Canada enjoys excellent relations with Latvia. Canada never recognized the Soviet occupation of the Baltic States and was the first country of the G-7 to recognize Latvia's independence. In 2004, Canada was the first country to ratify Latvia's accession in NATO.The presence of a significant and active Latvian-Canadian community (estimated at 22,600) also underpins the bilateral relationship. The Speaker of Latvian Parliament (Saeima) Mr. Gundars Daudze led a parliamentary delegation to Canada in May 2008. Canadian Minister of International Trade Stockwell Day visited Latvia in May 2009. The Speaker of the Senate of Canada Noël A. Kinsella visited Latvia in January 2010.
International agreements
Canada and Latvia signed an Agreement on Youth Mobility in September 2006 during the visit to Canada by Latvia's then President Vaira Vike-Freiberga. The objective of this agreement is to encourage the mobility of young Canadians and Latvians by creating new opportunities for them through work and travel. Under this agreement, it is easier for young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 to obtain a work or residence permit to engage in short-term employment. Canada and Latvia also signed a Social Security Agreement which entered into force in November 2006. During the visit of Minister of International Trade Stockwell Day in May 2009, Canada and Latvian signed a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement.
Visa policy
On October 31, 2007, the Canadian government announced that citizens of the Republic of Latvia no longer require a temporary resident visa to visit Canada. This announcement strengthened relations.[1]
Military relations
Canada and Latvia are NATO allies. Latvia is present in Afghanistan, in Iraq and in Kosovo. Latvia currently more than 140 military personnel serving with the NATO-led ISAF mission in Afghanistan. Training assistance has been a cornerstone of Canadian - Latvian defence relations. This started as part of Canada's NATO commitment to Partnership for Peace. Language immersion, peacekeeping, and other professional development courses have been offered to more than 300 Latvian military officers.
Trade and investment
Canada's trade relationship with Latvia is modest. In 2012, Canada exported $54.7 million in goods to Latvia including textile, pharmaceutical products, food products, machinery and electrical products and imported $20.1 million of products including wooden furniture, wood, optical fibers, food products, glass and glassware and construction materials.
History
Canada never recognized the Soviet occupation of the Baltic States and was the first country of the G7 to recognize Latvia's independence. In 2004, Canada was the first country to ratify Latvia's accession in NATO.
The presence of a significant and active Latvian-Canadian community (estimated at 22,600) also underpins the bilateral relationship.
See also
- Foreign relations of Canada
- Foreign relations of Latvia
- Canada–European Union relations
- Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement
References
External links
- Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade about relations with Latvia
- Canadian embassy in Riga
- Latvian embassy in Ottawa
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