In 2016, Latvia is the presiding country within the framework of the trilateral cooperation of the Baltic States – at the Baltic Assembly and the Baltic Council of Ministers – as well as the coordinating country for Baltic and Nordic cooperation in the NB8 format. In view of the current challenges in Europe and across the globe, Latvia has the opportunity to work effectively on strengthening of security in the region, while focused on specific priorities in each of these traditional platforms for cooperation between the Baltic and Nordic countries.
The Baltic and Nordic cooperation takes place in a family atmosphere. Our countries are bound by shared goals and challenges, and common values. Closer ties among Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia and working together in a framework with the Nordic countries are a cornerstone of Latvia’s foreign policy. The year 2016 is a special landmark in our cooperation as it sees the 25th anniversary of the renewal of international recognition of the Baltic States’ independence in August 1991. It’s noteworthy that in 2016, the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Offices in Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius also mark the 25th year of their work.
