Latvia: A Good Friend and Supporter to Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic Aspirations

Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration path is a crucial focus of the Georgian government. As Georgia aims to become fully implemented into Europe, there are few examples which she can look up to. One of these examples is the nation of Latvia, especially because Latvia shares several common grounds with Georgia. We had an exciting conversation with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the Republic of Latvia, Tea Maisuradze, who intimated us with several active combinations Georgia has with the nation of Latvia.

Your mission in Latvia began quite recently; since then, you have been actively engaged in fulfilling your duties and have already held several high-level meetings. How would you assess your first meetings especially as regards the attitude from the Latvian side?

It is a great honor for me to represent Georgia in the Republic of Latvia and further promote the already well-established close relations and cooperation between the two countries.

After I arrived for my mission in the Republic of Latvia, I had meetings with the President of Latvia, Raimonds Vējonis; Speaker of the Saeima, Inara Murniece; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkevičs; Latvia’s Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Artis Pabriks; members of the Saeima and other government officials. The strong support of the Latvian government towards Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders was reconfirmed at the meetings. The Latvian government supports our choice to become a member of the EU and NATO, which is the cornerstone of our foreign policy. The experience of Latvia, as a member state of the European Union and NATO, is valuable for us as we trail the path of European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

In what direction do you see the development of the relationship between the two countries?

Diplomatic relations between Georgia and the Republic of Latvia are over 25 years old. During this time, close and active cooperation has been established in many directions, including economic, defense, culture, science, education and tourism.

There is an interest from both countries to advance economic relations. Bilateral economic relations between Georgia and Latvia have quite positive dynamics. In 2018, the trade turnover between the two countries amounted to 45 million euros, which is a record indicator and it yielded 35% than in 2017. We also got a record number of exported products to Latvia from Georgia, and for the first time, we recorded over 10 million euros from the exported products. The most popular products exported from Georgia to Latvia are alcoholic beverages and mineral waters. It may not seem like a significant number, but when we consider the distance between the two countries and the existing obstacles tied to logistics, one would see that it is a big feat indeed. To simplify transportation between Latvia and Georgia is one of the tasks on the agenda.

While Latvia is the EU member, its experience is especially interesting for Georgia. Latvia has achieved considerable success in the management of agriculture, including agricultural cooperatives management, rural and health tourism, forest cover, and woodwork management. We are planning to implement several bilateral projects in this direction.

Tourism also attracts much attention. It is noteworthy that the number of Latvian tourists in Georgia is growing dynamically, and this confirms the interest towards our country as to the popular tourist destination among Latvians. About 17,000 citizens of Latvia visited Georgia in 2018.

It is crucial also to deepen our cultural relations. It should be noted that Georgian art, our cuisine and Georgian wine are very appreciated in Latvia. It is my wish that more Latvian people will get acquainted with Georgia and more Georgians will become acquainted with Latvia.

We have to increase cooperation in the areas of economy, tourism, and the deepening of our cultural relations must be a priority especially as it holds great potential.

Of course, the political dimension is equally important, because we need to continue to actively cooperate with Latvia on the path of integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures, and in the process of peaceful resolution of the Russian-Georgian conflict.

In parallel to bilateral cooperation, Latvia and Georgia have active cooperation in multilateral formats. Latvia is a good friend and trusted partner of Georgia, with whom we are united by the shared values of European democracy and freedom.

If you have a specific action plan in the field of Latvia-Georgia business relations – what sectors would you implement them?

One of our priorities is to present Georgia’s economic environment and investment climate in Latvia. Georgia currently holds the 6th position of the World Bank index for Ranking by Doing Business. The simplicity of opening company and bank accounts, protection of foreign investors’ rights, and other successful indicators has led to a high interest in Georgia, including among the Latvian business audience.

It is always welcome to see increased economic activity from Latvia in regions of Georgia. Latvians have been instrumental to the spring up of several tourist attractions, hotels, cafes and other attractive sights in different areas of Georgia. Regional forums, organized by the Embassy, which features Latvian and Georgian business people allow us to find common interests from the regions and will enable us to implement joint projects. We have successfully conducted 2 Regional Economic Forums, and we plan to organize the third.

Your appointment as ambassador is a first. What do you like in your new position and in general about Riga / Latvia?

Yes, this is my first mission as an Ambassador, which is a great honor for me and at the same time is a great responsibility. The Ambassador’s position enables the realization of many initiatives and ideas. It’s a very pleasant and exciting process to do this in Latvia, with which Georgia shares much in common.

How do you feel about the role of women in diplomacy and what is your success story in this regard?

The role of women is essential not only in diplomacy but in all areas. I have always believed that women are powerful by nature and can bring many successes to their country. It should be noted that Latvia has a rich history of successful female leaders.

I would like to rate my success story very simply. I love my work; I’m in that area where I have always seen myself. When your profession is an integral part of your life and personality, it’s easy to do good deeds.