Latvia and the United States sign a Memorandum of Understanding on promoting digital transformation in partner countries

On 25 July 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on promoting digital transformation in partner countries was signed in Washington D.C. At the ceremony, it was signed by the Ambassador of Latvia to the United States, Māris Selga, and the Assistant Administrator for Europe and Eurasia, USAID, Ambassador Erin E. McKee.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia is actively working on the involvement of Latvia in international development cooperation projects in order to promote the visibility of Latvia, its expertise and solutions. This Memorandum of Understanding will serve as a stepping stone for closer cooperation with USAID in supporting partner countries’ digitalisation.

The purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding is to promote closer cooperation between Latvia and the United States by providing support to partner countries, in particular, the EU Eastern Partnership, Central Asia and Africa, in matters of digitalisation. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and USAID are strongly committed to supporting partner governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve their sustainable development goals. Latvia and the United States take note of issues related to digital transformation, such as e-government, digital skills, cybersecurity, resilient media and information and communication technology (ICT) solutions, which can contribute to the efficiency of public administration, public participation in decision-making and the creation of new economic opportunities.

So far, cooperation with USAID has been taking place in Moldova, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

Background information

In the development cooperation policy of Latvia, increased attention is paid to the promotion of digital transformation. For example, in 2022 and 2023, one quarter of all implemented development cooperation projects addressed matters related to digitalisation.

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs