Wales and Latvia, lands of a similar size, history and tradition, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 12  May 2004, soon after Latvia joined the EU.  The First Minister of Wales Rhodri Morgan and the Latvian Minister of Economy Juris Lujans signed it at the time of the President Vaira Vike-Freiberga’s visit to the UK.  The agreement  is based on four pillars - economic co-operation, education and culture, EU issues and political/governance matters.

Since 2004, there has been regular exchange of trade and government visits between Latvia and Wales. The Rt Hon Rhodri Morgan, the First Minister of Wales, has visited Latvia twice. There have been mutual visits of teachers and bilingual education experts -  research on bilingual education which Latvia strives to develop further, spans a history of 60 years in Wales.

The National Library of Latvia exhibited a photo exhibition by the National Library of Wales in 2007 - the centenary year of the National Library of Wales.

Both countries are now seeking to develop an action programme that would build on the foundation of the links started in 2004. Urban development, spatial planning and use of the structural funds could be important areas for further co-operation.

Mr Edgars Zalans, Latvian Minister of Regional Development and Local Government, visited Wales in July.