Strengthening mutual ties between the UK and Latvia is a priority and is expected to escalate in significance.
In the heart of Europe, Latvia, a country often overlooked by tourists, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored, encourages British travellers. Beyond Riga, there are numerous fantastic, relatively unknown places to discover.
On the diplomatic front, the UK and Latvia have been working together as key members of the "Coalition of Good Will," focusing on plans to support Ukraine and any potential peace process. This cooperation extends to various areas, including combating money laundering, where the UK has provided robust support to Latvia.
Paul Brummell, a seasoned British diplomat with previous postings including Ambassador to Latvia, has played a significant role in this partnership. During his term, Brummell signed a bilateral joint declaration outlining the goals of cooperation, with a strong emphasis on defense and security. He is particularly proud of the UK's work in building Latvia's strategic communication capabilities.
The UK's role in Latvia fundamentally changed with Russia's war in Ukraine, with the primary focus shifting to supporting Ukraine and countering Russian aggression. Since then, a number of meetings in various formats have taken place between the UK and Latvia. This close collaboration has led to a shift in Latvia's international reputation from cautious scepticism to recognition as a standout performer on the global stage.
Paul Brummell describes the bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and Latvia as a friendship. This bond is evident in the UK's support for Latvia's election to the UN Security Council for 2026-2027, marking the first time Latvia will hold this position.
In the Middle East, the UK's priority is diplomacy, not conflict. The UK fully supports Israel's right to defend itself against aggression, but has long voiced concerns about Iran's nuclear program. Recently, the US has helped broker a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. The UK's current strategic priority in the region is to ensure that the ceasefire holds and protect civilian lives.
As Brummell prepares to move on, his message to the next UK ambassador to Latvia is that they are among friends and can speak openly and honestly about global challenges. One of the top priorities for his successor is cooperation with Latvia as a UN Security Council member and tackling global challenges together.
The UK has also supported diversity in Latvia, with Brummell participating in five Riga Pride events. This commitment to inclusivity is a testament to the UK's belief in a world where everyone can live freely and equally.
Despite the UK's first Ukraine summit not including invitations to the Baltic prime ministers, the UK's Prime Minister held a phone call with the prime ministers of the three Baltic States to hear their views and ensure their voices were acknowledged. This demonstrates the UK's commitment to maintaining strong relations with its allies in the region.
In reflecting on his service, Brummell considers Latvia as one of the top places he has served and thinks it's a super country. As we look forward, the UK's relationship with Latvia continues to be a strong and valuable partnership, built on mutual respect and shared values.
- The UK's cooperation with Latvia extends beyond tourism, as they work together in diplomatic efforts, such as being key members of the "Coalition of Good Will," focusing on supporting Ukraine and potential peace processes.
- Paul Brummell, the former British ambassador to Latvia, played a significant role in this partnership, signing a bilateral joint declaration that emphasized defense and security cooperation.
- The UK's support for Latvia extends to policy and legislation, evidenced by their advocacy for Latvia's election to the UN Security Council for the 2026-2027 term, marking the first time Latvia will hold this position.
- In terms of global challenges, the UK's policy and legislation also address issues like war and conflicts, as demonstrated by their efforts to ensure the ceasefire in the Middle East holds and protect civilian lives.
- The UK's relationship with Latvia is not only about politics and policy, but also about general news and lifestyle, as shown by the UK's commitment to diversity and inclusion, with Brummell participating in Riga Pride events.
