Bilateral Relations between the Republic of Latvia and the Kingdom of Belgium
Latvia and Belgium are bound by close and friendly relations, characterised by regular political dialogue, broad and diverse cooperation, particularly in the areas of economics, culture and education. Latvia has close cooperation with the Belgian regions of Flanders and Wallonia. Successful cooperation has developed within the European Union, NATO and other international formats. Regular 3+3 format meetings are also held between the Baltic and Benelux states.
Diplomatic Relations
Belgium recognised the Latvian state on 26 January 1921. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were restored on 5 September 1991.
Since 1924, Latvia was represented in Brussels by a Consul General. In 1927, the consulate general was transformed into the Latvian Legation under the leadership of Envoy Jānis Lazdiņš. From 1937 to 1940, the Latvian Envoy to Belgium was Dr. Miķelis Valters. Belgium did not recognise the incorporation of Latvia into the Soviet Union. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were restored on 5 September 1991. The Latvian Embassy in Belgium was opened in 1994.
Latvia's Representation in Belgium
The Embassy of the Republic of Latvia is located in Brussels.
Since 9 November 2023, the Latvian Ambassador to Belgium is Aiga Liepiņa.
Latvia also has two honorary consuls in Belgium - Christophe van Mechelen in Antwerp and Pascale Ruth in Wallonia.
Belgium's Representation in Latvia
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium is located in Stockholm.
Since 30 October 2025, the Belgian Ambassador to Latvia is Colette Taquet.
The Belgian Honorary Consul in Latvia is Didzis Gavars.
Most Significant Visits and Meetings
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26 February 2026 |
Meeting of Prime Minister Evika Siliņa with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever in Brussels |
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5 March 2024 |
Visit of Flanders Minister-President Jan Jambon to Riga |
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14-16 June 2021 |
Participation of State President Egils Levits in the NATO Summit in Brussels. During the visit, the State President also met with King Philippe of Belgium. |
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23-26 November 2019 |
State President Egils Levits' visit to Brussels, during which a meeting took place with European Council President Charles Michel and a lecture was delivered at the Catholic University of Leuven. |
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21-22 May 2015 |
Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel's participation in the Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga |
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4 February 2015 |
Meeting of Speaker of the Saeima Ināra Mūrniece with Belgian Senate President Christine Defraigne during the European Parliamentary Week in Brussels |
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2 February 2015 |
Meeting with House of Representatives President Siegfried Bracke at the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC) Chairs' Conference |
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10 May 2013 |
Working visit to Latvia by Belgian Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and European Affairs Didier Reynders |
Economic Cooperation
Belgium is an important trade partner for Latvia, and stable economic relations exist between the two countries.
The Latvian Innovation and Technology Representation is located in Brussels.
Further information:
Defence Cooperation
In 2010, an Agreement was concluded between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia and the Ministry of Defence of the Kingdom of Belgium on cooperation in the military field. Belgium was the first country to provide air policing in Baltic airspace with four F-16 fighter aircrafts when the Baltic states joined NATO. Belgium continues to participate in the rotation of Baltic air policing.
Long-standing cooperation has also been established between the Latvian and Belgian Navies. Representatives of the Belgian Navy regularly participate in various exercises in the Baltic region.
Cooperation with Belgian Regions
Latvia maintains close relations not only with Belgium's federal structures, but also with its regions. Several aspects of foreign policy fall under the jurisdiction of regional institutions, such as international trade, culture, education, health and the environment.
Flanders
The Cooperation Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of Flanders was signed on 5 March 1996 during the visit of Flemish Minister-President Luc van den Brande to Latvia.
The Latvia-Flanders Cooperation Agreement covers areas such as entrepreneurship, economic development and foreign trade, agriculture, fisheries and forestry, environment and energy, ports and logistics, education, science, research and innovation, culture and creative industries, as well as welfare, healthcare and public administration.
The Government of Flanders is represented in Latvia by the Flanders Government Regional Representation in Poland and the Baltic States, located in Warsaw, Poland.
Wallonia
On 12 July 2002 in Riga, the Cooperation Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the French Community of Belgium and the Walloon Region was signed, entering into force on 19 April 2004.
The coordinating institution for cooperation with Wallonia–Brussels in Latvia is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while on the Wallonian side cooperation is coordinated by the joint foreign affairs service of Wallonia and the French-speaking community of Brussels – Wallonie-Bruxelles International.
The Baltic States Office of the Walloon Export Promotion Agency AWEX represents Wallonia in the Baltic states and Finland, and is located in Riga.