Riga hosted the largest-ever forum on Latvia-Africa relations, bringing together over 100 participants from 18 African countries. The event aimed to strengthen political and economic ties, with Latvia’s Foreign Minister Baiba Braže highlighting the importance of cooperation in a world facing shared challenges.
Braže emphasized the growing economic ties between Latvia and Africa, with exports and imports flourishing on both sides. She pointed to successful development projects in Namibia and Zambia, with ongoing initiatives in South Africa, Cameroon, and other nations.
Discussions focused on areas for future collaboration, including digitization, education, agriculture, and sustainable resource management. Latvia showcased its expertise in these areas, with presentations by government agencies, universities, and NGOs.
The forum also addressed broader global issues. Participants called for a more equitable role for Africa in international institutions, including the UN Security Council. Additionally, discussions highlighted the importance of inclusive education and women’s empowerment for building resilient societies.
