31 August 2024 sees 30 years since the withdrawal of the armed forces of the Russian Federations from Latvia was completed.
After independence was restored, it was a priority for the Foreign Service, while also being a prerequisite for the restoration of the country’s independence and its irretrievability.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže: “With three decades having passed since the Russian army left Latvia, it is important to be aware of the symbolic, political and legal significance of this event, as it paved the way for the full sovereignty of our country. This route was not straightforward: although in the early 1990s, Russia had agreed to withdraw its troops from East Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, bilateral negotiations were slow in the case of the Baltics. The Baltic States therefore decided to internationalise this process through involving international organisations – the OSCE and the United Nations. The role of our friends and allies and those organisations in standing up for Latvia’s interests and achieving the result – removal of the Russian army – was highly important.”
Many Latvian officials, including members of the diplomatic service, participated in the process of the withdrawal of the occupying army. Due to their dedication, perseverance, skills and tremendous work, as well as a timely internationalisation of the issue by engaging with the international community and support from their partners, the result so significant for the country was achieved.
Baina Braže points out that as early as in 1992, the Baltic States submitted a draft resolution to the UN General Assembly calling for the withdrawal of Russian troops from the territories of the Baltic States. The resolutions were adopted unanimously by the United Nations in 1992 and 1993.
After the withdrawal of the former USSR army, Latvia, along with the other Baltic States, had real possibilities for further integration into European and transatlantic structures.
Latvia’s candidacy for the UN Security Council (2026–2027)
Latvia is actively using the UN rostrum to defend the interests of small countries and Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Since the war began, Baltic diplomats have made more than 40 statements concerning the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
It is also one of the reasons why Latvia is standing for election to the UN Security Council for the 2026–2027 term. The goal of Latvia’s candidacy is to ensure that the UNSC keeps focus on key issues for our region – support to Ukraine, strengthening international law, eradicating sexual violence in conflicts, cybersecurity, fighting AI and disinformation. Latvia is doing its utmost to restrict the election of representatives from Russia and Belarus to UN institutions and forums.
Latvia advocates strongly for reform of the UN and has repeatedly called for immediate negotiations on UNSC reform: there is an urgent need to improve the UNSC’s accountability, transparency and efficiency.