“Latvia and the Republic of Korea are like-minded partners in the security sector, and we are aware that if Russia’s aggression succeeds, it will negatively affect peace and security across the globe. Let me thank the Republic of Korea for condemning Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and I call for continued support to Ukraine. Compliance with the principles of the United Nations Charter underpins the world order,” the Foreign Minister Baiba Braže emphasised during her meeting with Cho Tae-yul, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea.
“Latvia and the Republic of Korea share a common interest of strengthening political cooperation and cooperation in economy, science and defence. The Minister accepted my invitation to visit Latvia. We discussed the development of the legal framework, in view of both the rising trade volumes and the increased number of citizens visiting our countries and settling there.”
“I have invited the Republic of Korea to join the Drone Coalition established by Latvia, as well as to send an expert to work at the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence in Riga,” Baiba Braže noted.
In a conversation with Ban Ki-moon, Deputy Chair of “The Elders” group of global leaders and former UN Secretary-General, the Foreign Minister Baiba Braže discussed cooperation between Latvia and the Republic of Korea in international organisations, with both conversation partners highlighting the importance of an international system rooted in the UN Charter.
The Foreign Minister also met with partners to Latvian businesses who successfully operate in the market of the Republic of Korea, including representatives from SIA Palleteries and A/S Latvijas Finieris, the companies exporting high value added timber products to the Republic of Korea, as well as Hanwha, a company interested in Latvia’s defence sector. Baiba Braže exchanged views with the business people on their experience of entering and operating in the Republic of Korea’s markets, including practical matters and how the Foreign Service could help by using instruments at its disposal – embassies abroad, representations in international organisations, the network of honorary consuls, and cooperation with the representative offices of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia.
Baiba Braže also met with Wang Yun-jong, Deputy National Security Adviser to the President of the Republic of Korea for cyber security.
In a meeting with Charles C. Jose, Deputy Foreign Secretary of the Philippines, the officials affirmed their mutual interest in strengthening political and economic cooperation. “Continued support from the Philippines to Ukraine, as well as standing up for a transparent application of international law, is very important to us,” the Foreign Minister underlined.
The Latvian Foreign Minister took part in a round table discussion at the Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) conference co-hosted by the Republic of Korea and the Netherlands, where she addressed those present. See the record of the conference (Baiba Braže – the fourth speaker).
In a meeting with Park Jeong-woon, President of the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS), Baiba Braže discussed further cooperation in education, especially in relation to the teaching of the Latvian language at the HUFS Baltic Studies Centre.
At the Embassy of Latvia in Seoul, Baiba Braže met with the members of the Latvian community in the Republic of Korea to discuss latest developments in Latvia’s external policy and invite everyone to make their contribution to strengthening ties with Latvia.
The Minister met with local media, including giving an interview to newspapers JoongAng Daily and Chosun Ilbo.
Further information / facts
- The Republic of Korea recognised the independence of the Republic of Latvia on 5 September 1991, and diplomatic relations were established between the two countries on 22 October 1991.
- Latvia and the Republic of Korea have positive dynamics in economic relations and pursue an active political dialogue. The two countries cooperate in international organisations, cooperation is underway between cities, institutions and Parliaments.
- Since August 2024, the Ambassador of Latvia to the Republic of Korea has been Jānis Bērziņš.
- Foreign Minister Baiba Braže is on a working visit in Australia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Republic of Korea.
- The Latvian and Australian Foreign Ministers Baiba Braže and Penny Wong: We have a similar understanding of security that we strengthen through closer cooperation
- The Foreign Ministers of Latvia and Singapore, Baiba Braže and Vivian Balakrishnan: our countries share a common perspective of international security
- The Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže and the Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi: our countries have excellent relations with great potential for economic cooperation
