Latvia is increasingly involved in global events, as well as in discussions and problem solving of issues of sustainable development, poverty reduction and other issues to assist less developed countries.

After the accession to the European Union, whose total contribution constitutes more than 50% of the total development assistance provided worldwide, Latvia, together with the other member states, is actively participating in the implementation of the Community's development policy by providing support to less developed countries.

Since the beginning of the nineties Latvia has made regular payments to international organizations in order to provide assistance for developing countries and transition economies (e.g. the UN, UNESCO, WHO, International Red Cross, International Migration Organization).

While the attention of the big donors is mainly focused to the African region, Latvia is interested in the economic growth, stability and strengthening of democracy in neighbouring regions. Therefore, Latvia has set the former Soviet republics to the East from the EU – Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine - as its development assistance priority regions for 2007. Latvia is interested to promote cooperation also with Belarus, however such cooperation can occur at present only in specific areas, like civil society development, etc.

Latvia's priorities with regard to the European Neighbourhood Policy are one of the key elements in planning and implementing its development cooperation policy. Latvia pays particular attention to the European Neighbourhood Policy in its foreign policy, since its goal is to ensure increased stability and welfare in the countries to the East from the EU external border and from Latvia's external border.

In implementing its development cooperation, Latvia does not provide direct financial assistance. Rather, it provides assistance by sharing its experience in implementing public administration reforms, promoting a democratic society and social development, environment protection and improving the educational system. With the expertise and practical experience of its experts, Latvia can make a considerable contribution to the promotion of stability and development in its neighbouring region.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been appointed the responsible institution; however, successful implementation of the development cooperation policy is possible only if NGOs, the private and academic sectors, and society at large work together with governmental institutions.