The traditional seminar of the Latvian and Lithuanian Foreign Ministries held in Liepāja

On 18 July 2025, officials and experts representing the leadership of the Latvian and Lithuanian Ministries of Foreign Affairs met in Liepāja for their annual informal seminar. The Political Director of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ivars Lasis, opened the seminar and expressed satisfaction with the traditionally close neighborly relations between Latvia and Lithuania and their cooperation in both the region and the EU, NATO and other international formats, which are especially important in today’ s geopolitical situation.

The participants highly appreciated the close cooperation between the Baltic and Nordic countries in the NB8 format, especially in strengthening the security and resilience of the region, support to Ukraine and containment of Russia, while highlighting the potential for developing NB8 cooperation in other areas. There was also an exchange of views on current events in the European Union, including a discussion on preparations for the Lithuanian and Latvian presidencies of the Council of the EU in 2027 and 2028, and their interests while planning the EU’s new long-term budget.

The talks put a special emphasis on the crucial importance of close transatlantic relations in the security and defence of the entire Euro-Atlantic area, including the critical role of the United States presence in Europe and its support to Ukraine. An unwavering commitment was expressed to a continued strengthening of the NATO Alliance and an increase in defense spending, developing the military industry and capabilities, as well as advancing the NATO-EU cooperation.

The perspectives and interests of the Baltic States in the UN were also discussed, including in the context of Latvia’s election to the UN Security Council. The Lithuanian colleagues shared their experience of working on the UN Security Council in 2014–2015, given that the issue of Ukraine is high on the UN Security Council’s agenda.

Delegations from both countries visited the Latvian National Armed Forces Naval Training Centre and the Baltic States Divers School, where the diplomats were introduced to the centre’s activities and cooperation with international partners.

The seminar has been organised for the ninth year by the Latvian and Lithuanian Ministries of Foreign Affairs on a rotating basis. Its aim is to promote cooperation between the leadership and experts of the foreign services of the two countries, exchange views about current topics on the regional and international agenda, and coordinate positions with a view to defending common interests in the EU, NATO, the UN and other international formats.

Photo: Ilze Salnāja, Ministry of Foreign Affairs