Security policy challenges in Europe and other regions in the present-day geopolitical situation, including developments in the Middle East and South Caucasus, support to Ukraine, the EU–Türkiye relations, and bilateral relations between Latvia and Türkiye – those were key topics that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, discussed with the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affair, Hakan Fidan, during her an official visit. On 21 and 22 October 2024, Foreign Minister Baiba Braže is on an official visit in Türkiye – Ankara and Istanbul.
In a conversation with her Turkish counterpart, Baiba Braže noted that the centenary of diplomatic relations between Latvia and Türkiye will be celebrated as early as next year, on January 2025. She thanked Türkiye for its consistent policy of not recognising the occupation of Latvia.
Foreign Minister Baiba Braže: “Next year, in 2025, we will mark the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Latvia and Türkiye. Relations between our countries are based on three pillars. First, security – Latvia and Türkiye are trustworthy Allies in NATO, and we appreciate Türkiye’s contribution to strengthening the eastern flank of the Alliance, including airspace patrols, as well as support by Türkiye to Ukraine. Secondly, economic cooperation – our trade volume is on the rise, from EUR 370 million in 2021 to EUR 410 million in 2023. The third pillar is cooperation in areas important for each resident – education, tourism, culture and art.”
As regards bilateral relations, the Ministers welcomed the active cooperation between the two countries in the education sector, with students and teachers actively using the Erasmus+ programme. Baiba Braže said Türkiye was one of most popular destinations for Latvian tourists, not only due to Türkiye’s climate and sights to see, but also regular flights operated both by airBaltic and Turkish Airlines.
In the context of the current security situation in Europe, the Ministers agreed on the need to strengthen the NATO deterrence capabilities and ensure defence of the territories of the Alliance’s members.
In the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Baiba Braže underlined that Ukraine needed a continued political and military support. “Türkiye, as a NATO member, plays an important role in ensuring stability, including in the context of the security situation in the Black Sea. Türkiye’s role and involvement in ensuring the export of Ukrainian produce to many countries around the world is also essential. With my colleague Hakan Fidan, we are in agreement – support by global partners for the Ukraine Peace Formula must be further promoted,” Baiba Braže noted after the meeting.
The Ministers also agreed that joint efforts should continue to secure sustainable peace in the South Caucasus.
In conversations with the President of the Grand National Assembly, Numan Kurtulmuş, and the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Commission at the Grand National Assembly, Fuat Oktay, Baiba Braže highlighted the key role of Parliaments in providing assistance to Ukraine. The Minister expressed thanks for the participation of a delegation from the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye in the 3rd Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform to be held in in Riga this coming 23 and 24 October.
As part of her visit, on 21 October, Baiba Braže also met with the new Honorary Consul of Latvia in Istanbul, Vehbi Serkan Kaptan, and officially inaugurated the new Latvian Honorary Consulate in Istanbul. Latvia’s network of Honorary Consulates in Türkiye now includes seven consulates that give assistance to Latvian nationals, as well as supporting the Latvian Embassy in Türkiye.
While in Istanbul, the Minister also attended the opening of the 4th International Defence and Aerospace Exhibition, SAHA EXPO 2024, and met with the Turkish Minister of Defence, Yaşar Güler. The Ministers exchanged views on the enhancement of NATO’ overall defence capabilities and the implementation of defence plans so as to facilitate a more effective Allied command and control.
About SAHA EXPO 2024
SAHA EXPO 2024 – the 4th International Defence and Aerospace Exhibition in Istanbul from 22 to 26 October 2024. The SAHA EXPO has been held every two years since 2018 and is the largest defence and aerospace event in the region. It is expected to gather senior civilian and military officials, more than 400 members of official delegations, and 1,200 international companies from more than 124 countries.
Further information
Bilateral relations between the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of Türkiye (in Latvian):
