Latvia–Russia relations
Latvia |
Russia |
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Latvia–Russia relations (Latvian: Krievijas—Latvijas attiecības or Latvijas—Krievijas attiecības, Russian: Российско-латвийские отношения or Латвийско-российские отношения) are the bilateral foreign relations between Latvia and Russia. Latvia has an embassy in Moscow.[1] The Russian Federation has an embassy in Riga.
Both Russia and Latvia are members of
History
1920-1940
From 1920 to 1940, relations between the countries had existed. On August 11, 1920, the Republic of Latvia and the
The Latvian Embassy was located in
Soviet period
Russian SFSR |
Latvian SSR |
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The
The
Relations 1991 to 2021
In 1991, Latvia regained independence from the USSR through the
Withdrawal of Russian troops and the decommissioning of Skrunda-1
Following the
Diplomatic visits
President
In early 2014, Latvian President Andris Berzins visited Sochi to attend the 2014 Winter Olympics opening ceremony, where he had a five-minute conversation with Putin.[16][17][18]
2014–2022
However, the Russian occupation of Crimea and the War in Donbas urged Latvia to support Ukraine and sanctions against Russia imposed by the EU.[19] On June 5, 2015, Russian government "temporarily" banned Latvian and Estonian canned fish products citing "health" concerns. Half of the countries' exports share accounted for Russia.[20] In March 2015, Latvian MEP Sandra Kalniete and Speaker of the Polish Senate Bogdan Borusewicz were both denied entry into Russia under the existing sanctions regime, and were thus unable to attend the funeral of murdered opposition politician Boris Nemtsov.[21]
Relations 2022 to date
President of Latvia Egils Levits strongly condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, calling for "all possible support, including weapons" to Ukraine and "the harshest possible sanctions" against Russia.[22]
Latvia, as one of the EU countries, imposed sanctions on Russia shortly after the invasion started, in response, Russia added all EU countries to the list of "
Russian state broadcasting TV stations were banned in Latvia in March 2022.[24]
On 11 August 2022 the Latvian
In January 2023 Latvia, in support of Estonia, withdrew its ambassador from Russia and expelled Russia's ambassador to Latvia in a permanent downgrading of diplomatic ties. Russia called the action “Russophobia”.[27]
As a continuing rejection of the Russian language, in 2023 Latvia imposed a requirement for an estimated 20,000 citizens who hold a Russian passport and no Latvian documents, to pass a Latvian language test and prove their loyalty, or face deportation in 2024 if they fail and do not leave voluntarily.[28] In August it was announced that over 5,000 citizens had refused to take the language test or apply for a temporary residence permit and were likely to be asked to leave in September.[29]
The ban on entry of Russian citizens to Latvia was extended to March 2024 and Latvia ceased issuing any visas to Russians, even for humanitarian reasons in June 2023.[30]
In January 2024 Russia terminated the tax treaty between the two nations.[31]
Trade
In 2021 Russia exported $3.52 billion of goods to Latvia with refined oil products as the main item. Latvia exports were valued at $1.38 billion with alcoholic drinks topping the trade. Between 1995 and 2021 Russian exports grew at an average of 9.07% p.a. with Latvia exports growing at 5.77% p.a. in the same period.[32]
Russian exports have fallen following Latvian decisions and the EU sanctions over Russia, as a result of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Controversies and issues of contention
Criticism of violation of minority rights
Russia often criticizes Latvia for discrimination against the Russian-speaking population[33][34][35][36][37] and has also participated in a number of cases of complaints against Latvia in the European Court of Human Rights as a third party. These cases also dealt with the violation of the rights of the Russian minority in Latvia. Such cases included Slivenko v. Latvia, Kononov v. Latvia, Vikulov and others v. Latvia,[38] Sisojeva And Others v Latvia, and Vasilevskiy v. Latvia.
Spying allegations
In April 2004 Latvia expelled Second Secretary of the Russian Embassy in Rīga Pyotr Uzhumov, who had allegedly been trying to gather information on Latvia's defence forces, for activities "incompatible with his diplomatic status" to which Russia responded by expelling first secretary of the Latvian Embassy in Moscow.[39]
In March 2018 for activities not consistent with their duties and in solidarity with the United Kingdom's response to the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal Latvia expelled a second secretary rank Russian diplomat within the Russian embassy in Rīga.[40] Russia responded by expelling a Latvian diplomat from Russia.[41]
In late May 2018 a former employee of Latvian Railways was sentenced to 18 months in prison and 60 hours of community service for espionage. The man had filmed trains carrying NATO equipment and sent the videos to a contact in Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast.[42] In August 2018 a farmer in Alūksne Municipality was given a three-year suspended sentence for collecting open-source information near the Latvian-Russian border at an alleged request of Russian authorities that was classified as espionage.[43]
Attacks on the diplomatic mission
On the night to May 30, 2014
On the evening of
Bilateral agreements
While some agreements have been signed by representatives of Latvia and Russia, not all have been passed by their respective legislatures and are therefore not in force. This list is limited to agreements in force.[48]
- Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Russian Federation on Cooperation in the Field of Fishery, in force 21 July 1992 (indefinite)
- Agreement between the Republic of Latvia and the Russian Federation on Legal Assistance and Legal Relations in Civil, Family and Criminal Matters, in force 28 March 1995 (indefinite)
- Agreement between the Republic of Latvia and the Russian Federation on Transfer of Sentenced Persons, in force 10 June 1993 (indefinite)
- Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Russian Federation on Regulation of the Resettlement Process and Protection of the Rights of Resettlers, in force 2 June 1993 (extended twice, now indefinite)
- Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Russian Federation on Customs Border Posts, in force 24 June 1993 (extended by subsequent protocol which is indefinite)
- Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Russian Federation in the Field of Communications, in force 2 June 1993 (indefinite)
- Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Russian Federation on Joint Measures Aimed Toward Exploitation of the Pipeline Situated in the Territory of the Republic of Latvia, in force 2 June 1993 (indefinite)
- Agreement between the Republic of Latvia and the Russian Federation on Legal Status of Radio-location Station Skrunda During Those Provisional Existence and Demontage, adopted 30 Apr 1994 (terminated 21 October 1999)
- Agreement between the Republic of Latvia and the Russian Federation on Terms, Time Limits, Procedure of a Complete Withdrawal of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and the Legal Status thereof during Withdrawal from the Territory of Latvia, in force 27 February 1995 (indefinite)
- Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Russian Federation on Social Protection of Retired Military Personnel of the Russian Federation and their Family Members, Residing on the Territory of Latvia, in force 27 February 1995 (indefinite)
- Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Russian Federation on Activities of the Authorized Border Agents, in force 14 December 1994 (indefinite)
- Consular Convention between the Republic of Latvia and the Russian Federation, in force 18 May 1997 (indefinite)
- Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Russian Federation on Mutual Travels of Citizens, in force 18 January 1995 (indefinite)
- Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Russian Federation on Principles of Cooperation and Conditions of Bilateral Relations in the Field of Transport, in force 14 June 1995 (indefinite)
- Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Russian Federation on International Road Transport, in force 16 March 1996 (indefinite)
- Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Russian Federation on Trade Shipping, in force 15 May 1995 (indefinite)
- Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Russian Federation on Cooperation in the Field of Border Defence, in force 26 February 1996 (indefinite)
Ambassadors
Ambassadors of Latvia in Russia
- Jānis Peters (1991–1997)
- Imants Daudišs (1997–2001)
- Normans Penke (2001–2004)
- Andris Teikmanis (2005–2008)
- Edgars Skuja (2009–2017)
- Māris Riekstiņš (since 2017)
See also
- Foreign relations of Latvia
- Foreign relations of Russia
- Latvia–Russia border
- Latvia–Ukraine relations
- Russian Latvians
References
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia. September 7, 2018. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
- ^ a b "Relations between Latvia and Russia". Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in the Russian Federation. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
- ^ Patrick, Lannin (18 December 2007). "Russia, Latvia finally seal border treaty". Reuters. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
- ^ Берзиньш: Латвия должна стремиться к добрососедским отношениям с Россией
- ^ "Saeima condemns Russia's aggression in Sea of Azov". Public Broadcasting of Latvia. December 13, 2018. Retrieved January 8, 2019.
- ^ Russia, Latvia Agree on Troop Withdrawal Deseret News. 3 February 1992. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia. 21 October 1999. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
- ^ U.S. EXPERTS DEMOLISH `MONSTER' TOWER IN LATVIA Deseret News. 4 May 1995. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
- ^ The Weekly Crier (1999/10) Archived 2013-06-01 at the Wayback Machine Baltics Worldwide. October 1999. Retrieved 19 June 2013
- The Jamestown Foundation. 1 September 1998. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
- ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
- ^ Prime Minister Vladimir Putin meets with Latvian President Valdis Zatlers
- ^ Report on Soviet damages to Latvia overshadows visit to Moscow
- ^ "Accolades for Zatlers in Moscow". The Baltic Times. December 22, 2010. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
- ^ "Working visit by Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Naryshkin to Latvia". President of Russia. 2 August 2011. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
- ^ "Latvian and Russian presidents meet for first time in Sochi". The Baltic Course. February 7, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
- ^ "Latvian Olympic Team Goes to Sochi". [Latvia.eu]. 2014-02-06. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
- ^ "Putin shakes hands with Latvian Premier in Sochi". The Baltic Times. February 7, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
- ^ "Foreign Minister: 'possible' Latvians involved in Donbas". eng.lsm.lv. 2014-08-06. Retrieved 2024-01-04.
- ^ "Russia Bans Fish From Latvia, Estonia". RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty. June 5, 2015. Retrieved 2022-06-16.
- ^ "Russia bars two EU politicians from Nemtsov funeral". Reuters. 3 March 2015. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
- ^ "Statement by the President of Latvia Egils Levits on Russian invasion of Ukraine". Chancery of the President of Latvia. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
- ^ Lee, Michael (8 March 2020). "Here are the nations on Russia's 'unfriendly countries' list". CTV News.
- ^ "Russian TV channels banned in Latvia, but still available". 19 January 2023.
- ^ "Latvia designates Russia a "state sponsor of terrorism" over Ukraine war". Reuters. 11 August 2022. Archived from the original on 12 August 2022. Retrieved 11 August 2022.
- ^ Manning, Joshua (8 September 2022). ""You are not welcome here!" Estonia restricts entry of Russian citizens from September 19". Euro Weekly News. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
- ^ "Estonia and Latvia remove Russian ambassadors as tensions rise". 23 January 2023.
- ^ "Russian Citizens Take Language Test to Avoid Latvian Expulsion". 13 June 2023.
- ^ "Latvia to ask thousands of Russian citizens to leave the country". lrt.lt. 4 August 2023.
- ^ "Latvia stops issuing all types of visas to Russian citizens". 24 June 2023.
- ^ "[World Tax News] Norway Publishes Supplementary Tax Act Implementing Pillar 2 Global Minimum Tax and More". 20 January 2024.
- ^ "Russia/Latvia". January 2022.
- ^ Assessment for Russians in Latvia Minorities at Risk. 31 December 2006. Retrieved 19 June 2013
- ^ Latvia criticized for abuse of minority rights Voice of Russia. 25 August 2012. Retrieved 19 June 2013
- UNCHR (originally published by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada). 19 January 2006. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
- ^ (in Russian) МИД РФ: Латвийский закон о СМИ ущемляет интересы русскоязычного населения Rosbalt. 15 July 2010. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
- ^ EU concerned over discrimination against Russian communities in Latvia, Estonia Pravda. 9 January 2003. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
- ^ (in Russian) Россия выступит третьей стороной в деле "Викуловы против Латвии" RIA Novosti. 15 January 2004. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
- ^ "Russia expels Latvian diplomat". The Baltic Times. April 29, 2004. Retrieved July 1, 2008.
- ^ "Latvia to expel diplomat in response to Skripal poisoning". Public Broadcasting of Latvia. March 26, 2018. Retrieved July 1, 2018.
- ^ a b "Latvian consulate in St. Petersburg attacked". Public Broadcasting of Latvia. July 14, 2015. Retrieved July 1, 2018.
- ^ "Former Latvian Railways employee sentenced for espionage". Public Broadcasting of Latvia. May 29, 2018. Retrieved July 1, 2018.
- ^ "Farmer given suspended sentence over espionage". Public Broadcasting of Latvia. August 6, 2018. Retrieved September 2, 2018.
- ^ "'Other Russia' movement hooligans attack Latvian consulate". The Baltic Times. May 30, 2014. Retrieved July 1, 2008.
- ^ "National Bolshevik Aijo Beness' supporters attack Latvian general consulate in Russia". Baltic News Network. May 30, 2014. Retrieved July 1, 2018.
- ^ "Latvian embassy in Moscow "attacked"". Public Broadcasting of Latvia. May 10, 2018. Retrieved July 1, 2018.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia. May 10, 2018. Retrieved July 1, 2018.
- ^ Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia: Bilateral agreements Originally retrieved at the Embassy of Latvia in Moscow web site. Retrieved 9 January 2012.
External links
- (in Russian) Documents on the Latvia–Russia relationship from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- (in Russian and Latvian) Embassy of Russia in Riga
- (in English, Russian, and Latvian) Embassy of Latvia in Moscow
- Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Representative to the Latvian-Russian Military Pensioners' Commission
- List of main claims and recommendations of international organizations and NGO to Latvia as regards rights of national minorities Russian MFA, 2004
- (in Russian) List of treaties
- (in Russian) 1991 treaty (not in force)
- (in Latvian) 2007 border treaty
- (in Russian and Latvian) 2007 treaty on co-operation in the field of social security
- 1920 peace treaty