Government officials from Latvia and South Korea underline opportunities for political and economic cooperation

On 26 July 2021, members of the South Korea-Latvia Friendship Group of South Korea’s National Assembly were in Latvia on a working visit and they met with Parliamentary Secretary Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica at the Latvian Foreign Ministry.

Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica put an emphasis on how South Korea is an important and like-minded partner for Latvia in Asia and that the countries share perspectives in many areas including on the role of effective multilateralism in international cooperation, human rights and in upholding democratic principles.

During the meeting, it was noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Latvia and South Korea. Good parliamentary cooperation has arisen but there are also opportunities to further strengthen the political dialogue.   

In discussing bilateral economic cooperation, appreciation was expressed for the growth in trade over the past year, and the positive influence of the EU-South Korea free trade agreement. There was general agreement on the potential for boosting economic cooperation even more including in the sectors of transport, logistics, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.

The Parliamentary Secretary of the Latvian Foreign Ministry urged Latvia’s South Korean partners to keep an eye out for opportunities for investment, in ICT, and in other areas of high added value. The hope was also expressed that cooperation in tourism would be resuming soon as well as the direct charter flights between South Korea and Latvia.

The Friendship Group from the South Korean National Assembly has meetings planned as well with leaders of the Latvian Parliament (Saeima), the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) and with officials from the Ministry of Welfare.