Greece–Latvia relations

Greek-Latvian relations
Map indicating locations of Greece and Latvia

Greece

Latvia

Greek-Latvian relations are the bilateral relations between Greece and Latvia. Both countries are full members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, of NATO and the European Union. The Latvian embassy in Athens was established in 1998. Latvia also has two honorary consulates in Piraeus and in Thessaloniki. The Greek embassy in Riga was opened in January 2005. [citation needed]

History

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Greece recognized the State of Latvia on May 23, 1922. Relations between the two countries were disrupted by World War II, which saw Latvia occupied briefly by Germany and then for a longer period by the Soviets. Latvia's return to independence was recognized by Greece on August 27, 1991; followed by the restoration of diplomatic relations on September 2, 1991. Greece had never officially recognized the annexation of the Baltic states by the former Soviet Union.[1]

Bilateral visits

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Embassy of Greece in Riga

Several ministerial and state visits have occurred since 1997:[1][2]

Bilateral agreements

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Several bilateral agreements are in place:[1][8]

  • 1998 International Carriage of Passengers and Goods by Road
  • 1998 Protection and mutual promotion of investments
  • 1999 Agreement on Mutual Abolition of Visa Requirements
  • 2000 Economic and technological cooperation
  • 2001 Cooperation in the Fields of Culture, Education and Science
  • 2002 Avoidance of double taxation (not yet in force)[9]

Trade

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Greece's exports to Latvia in 2006 included: chemicals (19.2% of total exports), processed foods (18.7%), metals (18.7%), clothing (13.5%), and raw fruit and vegetables (8.2%). Greece imports from Latvia in 2006 included: timber (42% of total imports), minerals (17.3%), clothing (13.8%). Greece has a trade surplus with Latvia.[1][8]

Diplomacy

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Bilateral Relations Between Greece and Latvia". Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Latvia in Thessaloniki. Archived from the original on 21 July 2011. The Hellenic Republic recognized the State of Latvia on 23 May 1922, and never officially recognized the annexation of the Baltic States by the former USSR. The independence of the Republic of Latvia was recognized on 27 August 1991. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were restored on 2 September 1991.
  2. ^ "Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the relation with Latvia". Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  3. ^ "Latvian president given ceremonial welcome on official visit to Greece". Latvian Radio via the BBC. March 17, 1999. Archived from the original on June 8, 2011. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  4. ^ "Greek president holds talks with Latvian counterpart, addresses business forum, dinner". Athens News Agency. Archived from the original on 2005-03-10. Retrieved 2009-11-27.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  5. ^ "Greece expresses support for Latvia's foreign policy goals; presidents meet". LETA. May 22, 2001. Archived from the original on June 8, 2011. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  6. ^ "Meeting of the State President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and the President of Greece Constantinos Stephanopoulos in the President's Palace". Latvia. March 27, 2002. Archived from the original on June 5, 2011. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  7. ^ "EU Presidency: Greek premier Simitis visits Lithuania, Latvia". Athens News Agency. May 8, 2003. Retrieved 2009-11-27.[permanent dead link]
  8. ^ a b "List of bilateral treaties with Greece". Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Archived from the original on 2011-06-05. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  9. ^ "Latvia and Greece sign tax and sea transportation agreements". Baltic News Service. March 27, 2002. Archived from the original on June 8, 2011. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
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