Latvia And Belarus: Allies Or Adversaries In The Region?

Latvia and Belarus have historically had a complex relationship, with both nations sharing a common border and a history of political and economic ties. In recent years, however, the relationship between the two countries has been strained, with diplomatic relations being terminated in 2021 following a dispute over the flag of Belarus and the subsequent expulsion of diplomats. Despite this, both countries have expressed interest in strengthening good-neighbourly relations and developing cooperation in various spheres. Latvia is a member of NATO, which has condemned Belarus for its actions towards Poland and other Baltic states. Belarus, on the other hand, has maintained close ties with Russia and played a role in its invasion of Ukraine. With the ongoing political tensions and diverging alliances, the relationship between Latvia and Belarus remains uncertain.

Latvia and Belarus share a border and have embassies in each other's countries

Latvia and Belarus share a border of 161km (107.443 mi). The border runs from the tripoint with Lithuania to the tripoint with Russia, and was established after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. It was confirmed by an agreement on 21 February 1994, and finalised on 10 April 2013.

Both countries have embassies in each other's capitals—Belarus's embassy is in Riga, and Latvia's is in Minsk. There are also consulates in Daugavpils and Vitebsk.

In May 2021, relations between the two countries were terminated when both nations expelled each other's diplomats. This was due to a dispute over the flag used to represent Belarus at the Ice Hockey World Championship in Riga. Despite this, the two countries have a history of diplomatic exchanges and meetings, and there are around 60 international treaties that form the basis of Belarus-Latvia cooperation.

Latvia and Belarus have had periods of both cooperation and conflict in their relationship

Latvia and Belarus have historically shared close relations, with both countries signing a "Declaration on the Principles of Good-Neighborly Relations" on December 16, 1991, and establishing full bilateral relations on April 7, 1992. The two countries share a 161km border and have, at various times, enjoyed economic cooperation and political goodwill.

Latvia and Belarus have also experienced periods of conflict and tension in their relationship. In 2001, for example, Latvia's Defence Minister Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis stated in a radio interview that "Our probable enemy is objectively in the east", referring to Belarus and causing a diplomatic protest from the Belarusian Foreign Ministry. Latvia has also been critical of Belarus' human rights record, calling for the release of political prisoners and the observance of freedom of speech. In 2020, Latvia, along with Lithuania and Estonia, was among the first countries to declare Lukashenko an illegitimate leader following the disputed presidential elections. This led to a deterioration in relations, with both countries expelling each other's diplomats and, ultimately, to the suspension of the Belarusian Embassy in Riga at the request of Latvian authorities in 2021.

Despite these tensions, there have been efforts to maintain and improve relations. Latvia and Belarus have signed around 60 twin city and partner agreements, and there have been high-level visits and meetings between the two countries' officials. In addition, the two countries have a history of economic cooperation, with Latvia serving as a crucial transit country for Belarusian commodities.

In summary, the relationship between Latvia and Belarus has been characterised by periods of both cooperation and conflict, with efforts made by both sides to navigate diplomatic tensions and maintain constructive ties.

Latvia and Belarus have different political systems, with Belarus being an authoritarian regime

Latvia and Belarus share a border and have had diplomatic relations since 1992. However, the two countries have very different political systems. Latvia is a parliamentary representative democratic republic, with a directly elected prime minister as head of government and a directly elected president with a largely ceremonial role as head of state. The country's political system is multi-party, with power divided between the government and parliament, the Saeima. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.

In contrast, Belarus is a presidential republic with a bicameral parliament. The president is the head of state and has wide-ranging powers, including the ability to rule by decree. The prime minister is appointed by the president and is nominally the head of government, but in practice is subordinate to the president. While there are multiple political parties in Belarus, political success is dependent on loyalty to the president rather than party affiliation.

Alexander Lukashenko, who has been president of Belarus since 1994, has been characterised as having an authoritarian ruling style and has often been referred to as "Europe's last dictator". Elections in Belarus are not considered free and fair by international monitors, and the media is not free. The Belarusian government has been criticised by Human Rights Watch and the Council of Europe for human rights violations, repression of opponents, and actions against NGOs, independent journalists, national minorities, and opposition politicians.

The differing political systems of the two countries have caused tensions in their diplomatic relations. In 2020, Latvia, along with Lithuania and Estonia, was one of the first countries to declare Lukashenko an illegitimate leader after disputed presidential elections. This led to a deterioration in relations, with both countries expelling each other's diplomats and the number of bilateral contacts being significantly reduced.

Belarus has close economic ties with Latvia and relies on Latvian ports for trade

Belarus and Latvia have had diplomatic relations since 1992, and both countries share a border. They have close economic ties, with Latvia being a significant trade partner and investor in Belarus. In 2021, trade between the two countries was valued at 646 million USD, with Latvia ranking 14th in terms of trade and 10th in exports among Belarus's trade partners. This trade relationship is multifaceted, with Belarus exporting forestry and woodworking products, metal products, building materials, food, cosmetic products, and furniture to Latvia, while importing electrical machinery, equipment, medicines, textiles, and food products.

Latvia is also a crucial transit corridor for Belarusian exports to third countries. The two countries have collaborated on several joint projects, including restaurants, cinemas, stores, cable TV and internet networks, and pharmaceutical and food processing plants. Additionally, there are around 309 enterprises with Latvian capital operating in Belarus, and the number of Latvian companies using the Belarusian Universal Commodity Exchange platform is constantly growing.

The priority area of cooperation between Belarus and Latvia is the transport and logistics sectors. However, there is also potential for further development in the woodworking, pharmaceutical, food industry, and tourism sectors. Both countries have expressed interest in maximising the effective use of their tourism potential through the improvement of automotive infrastructure and the creation of joint tourism products and routes.

In 2018, the prime ministers of Belarus and Latvia signed an intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding and an Action Plan on economic cooperation, demonstrating their commitment to strengthening their economic ties. Despite some challenges and restrictions in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and diplomatic tensions, Belarus and Latvia continue to maintain close economic relations.

Latvia and Belarus are both members of the NATO alliance

Latvia and Belarus are not allies, and they are not both members of the NATO alliance. Belarus is not a member of NATO, although it has been a partner since 1995. Latvia, on the other hand, is a full member of NATO.

Belarus and Latvia have had a complex relationship since the fall of the Soviet Union. They share a border and have historically had close relations, with Belarus even opening an embassy in Riga, and Latvia, an embassy in Minsk. However, political conflicts began after Alexander Lukashenko came to power in Belarus in 1994. Latvian politicians have often expressed concern over Lukashenko's statements about rapprochement with Russia. In 2020, Latvia was one of the first countries to declare Lukashenko an illegitimate leader after the disputed presidential elections, which further strained relations between the two countries.

Belarus has had a long and complex relationship with NATO, dating back to 1992 when it joined the North Atlantic Cooperation Council, the predecessor of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, which Belarus joined in 1997. Belarus also joined NATO's Partnership for Peace program in 1995 and has participated in the Individual Partnership Program since 1997. Belarus has its own diplomatic mission to NATO, established in 1998, and formally announced its intention to join NATO in 2004. However, Belarus has not become a full member of NATO due to its membership in the Collective Security Treaty Organization under Russia and concerns over the exchange of classified information.

In recent years, tensions between NATO and Belarus have increased due to Belarus's role in Russia's war in Ukraine, its treatment of political prisoners, and its violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms. In 2021, NATO suspended all practical cooperation with Belarus while maintaining dialogue.

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