Relations between Latvia and Ukraine
Latvian–Ukrainian relations have traditionally been friendly and dynamic. Since 1992 a constructive political dialogue has been started, a contractual basis covering practically all co-operation spheres has been developed, a functional Inter-Governmental Commission has been operating, and a solid trade turnover has been reached.
Recently the Latvian-Ukrainian bilateral relations have entered a new development phase. Latvia has become a member of European Union and NATO, Ukraine has clearly expressed its wish to join these organizations.
Latvia's priorities in co-operation with Ukraine are to continue a dynamic political and economical dialogue; to enhance the contractual basis, promote the establishment of new contacts; and support Ukraine's efforts in modernizing its national structures and integration into the European Union.
|
CHRONOLOGY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS |
The next important step that brought these bilateral relations to another level was made in 1993 when Latvia opened its embassy in Kiev and Ukraine opened its embassy in Riga.
Latvia's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ukraine is Atis Sjanitis and Ukraines' Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Latvia is Raul Chilachava.
In order to enhance the bilateral relations and expand co-operation, in July 2005, an Honorary Consulate was opened in Lviv.
In April 2006 Ukraine opened its Honorary Consulate in Ventspils.
|
KEY DIRECTIONS OF CO-OPERATION |
Economic co-operation between Latvia and Ukraine has a good potential for development. Latvia's economic interests in Ukraine are determined by the wish to increase its share in the market of approximately 50 million inhabitants, and by the geographical position of Ukraine as the second largest European country. The main sectors of Latvian–Ukrainian economic co-operation are trade, and financial and other services.
Active and productive work of the Inter-Governmental Commission
Latvian-Ukrainian Inter-Governmental Commission has been established, whose task is to review by specialists and suggest solutions in matters related to bilateral relations.
Inter-parliamentary co-operation
Inter-parliamentary co-operation between Latvian and Ukrainian Parliaments is pursued actively. Members of both Parliaments exchange visits on a regular basis, and in both Parliaments inter-parliamentary co-operation groups have been set up.
|
ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION |
Trade (according to the data of the Central Statistical Bureau)
Year 2009
Export
1. Lithuania – 742 316 478 EUR or 15,52 % of total Latvia's export
2. Estonia – 643 952 219 EUR or 13,46 %
3. Russia – 450 498 191 EUR or 9,42 %
4. Germany – 409 289 032 EUR or 8,56%
5. Sweden – 289 304 745 EUR or 6,05 %
���
18. Ukraine - 53 618 783 EUR or 1,12%
Import
1. Lithuania – 984 952 448 EUR or 16,63 % of total Latvia's import
2. Russia – 719 575 612 EUR or 12,15 %
3. Germany – 649 938 151 EUR or 10,98 %
4. Poland – 480 576 038 EUR or 8,12 %
5. Estonia – 431 470 921 EUR or 7,29 %
���
12. Ukraine – 81 207 944 EUR or 1,37 %
In 2009 Latvia had a negative trade balance with Ukraine in total of 57 309 m EUR
Principal exports to Ukraine by commodity types in 2009
|
Commodity Type |
M EUR |
Share of total exports |
|
Total |
53,62 |
100% |
|
Products of chemical and allied industries |
15,03 |
28,03% |
|
Textile materials and articles |
11,99 |
22,36% |
|
Machinery and mechanical appliances; electrical equipment |
6,18 |
11,53% |
|
Wood |
2,68 |
5,00% |
|
Pulp, paper and cardboard |
2,55 |
4,76% |
|
Animal products |
2,47 |
4,60% |
Principal imports from Ukraine by commodity types in 2009
|
Commodity Type |
EUR |
Share of total imports |
|
Total |
81,21 |
100% |
|
Transport vehicles |
35,49 |
43,71% |
|
Base metals and articles of base metals |
11,18 |
13,76% |
|
Food |
7,35 |
9,06% |
The dynamics of Latvia-Ukraine trade between 2005 and 2009, EUR
|
year |
Export |
Import |
|
2005 |
56 633 712 |
132 254 551 |
|
2006 |
82 030 534 |
95 445 205 |
|
2007 |
85 130 774 |
110 728 078 |
|
2008 |
91 732 612 |
100 388 279 |
|
2009 |
53 618 783 (-42%) |
81 207 944 (-19%) |
Investment
In 2009 Ukraine's accrued direct investments in Latvia were EUR 37 millions (according to the Bank of Latvia).
|
MOST IMPORTANT VISITS AND MEETINGS | |
|
23-24 May 1995 |
Official visit by Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma to Latvia |
|
21-22 November 1995 |
Official visit by Latvian President Guntis Ulmanis to Ukraine |
|
11-12 July 1996 |
Visit by Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs to Ukraine |
|
24 July 1997 |
Visit by Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gennady Udovenko to Latvia |
|
28-29 November 1997 |
Unofficial visit by Latvian President Guntis Ulmanis to Ukraine |
|
12-13 February 1998 |
Working visit by Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Valdis Birkavs to Ukraine |
|
24-26 February 1998 |
Official visit by Latvian Prime Minister Guntars Krasts to Ukraine |
|
23-24 February 2000 |
Official visit by Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins to Ukraine |
|
5-7 February 2002 |
Official visit by Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anatoly Zlenko to Latvia |
|
7-8 November 2003 |
Official visit by Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sandra Kalniete to Ukraine |
|
5 – 6 October 2004 |
Official visit to Latvia by Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Konstantin Griscenko. |
|
23 January 2005 |
Participation by President of Latvia Vaira-Vike Freiberga in the Inaugural Ceremony of the President of Ukraine Victor Yuschenko. |
|
29–30 March 2005 |
Official visit to Latvia by Volodimir Litvin, Ukraine's Parliament Speaker. |
|
26–28 April 2005 |
Official visit to Ukraine by Einars Repse, Latvia's Minister of Defence. |
|
28 Nov. – 1 Dec. 2005 |
Official visit by Latvian Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis to Ukraine |
|
2 December 2005 |
President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga attended the Community of Democratic Choice in Kiev; a meeting with the President of Ukraine Victor Yuschenko. |
|
13–15 February 2006 |
Visit to Ukraine by Saeima Speaker Ingrida Udre. |
|
27-28 April 2006 |
State visit to Latvia by the President of Ukraine Victor Yuschenko. |
| 31 Jan. – 1 Feb. 2008 |
Official visit by Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Māris Riekstiņš to Ukraine |
| 23 May 2008 |
Participation by President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers in the Energy Summit |
| 25-27 June 2008 |
State visit to Ukraine by Valdis Zatlers , President of Latvia |
| 22 November 2008 |
Participation by President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers in the National Holodomor Commemoration Ceremony |
| 29 July 2009 |
Official visit to Latvia by Ukrainian Minister of Economy Mr. Cushko |
| 25 November 2010 |
Participation by President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers in the Inaugural Ceremony of the President of Ukraine Victor Yanukovych |
| 15 December 2010 |
Official visit to Latvia by Ukrainian President Victor Yanukovych |
|
18 - 19 April 2011 |
Working visit by Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis to Ukraine |
|
29–30 June 2011 |
Official visit to Ukraine by Latvian Minister of Economy Mr. A.Kampars |
|
AGREEMENTS SIGNED |
The Latvian–Ukrainian contractual basis consists of more than 50 agreements.