Pakistan recognized Latvia on 10 September 1991 soon after its independence and established diplomatic relations on 29 April 1996. The two countries have since maintained friendly and cooperative relations.

Political Relations

2. The main interaction takes place during visits of Pakistan’s Ambassador to Riga (resident in Warsaw) and bilateral political consultations between two foreign ministries. The last (5^th) round of consultations was held in Riga in May 2019. The 6^th round is expected to be held in Islamabad in 2024. Pakistan and Latvia signed a Convention on Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion on 28 April 2023.

Bilateral Trade

3. The bilateral trade between Pakistan and Lithuania in 2023 was US$ 21.8 million. Pakistan’s exports amounted to US$ 6.9 million and imports from Latvia were worth US$ 14.9 million. Trade figures of last six calendar years are given below:

(US$ Million)

Source: ITC Trade Map; Latvian Official Statistics Office

4. The main items exported from Pakistan to Latvia were textiles, leather products, garments, cutlery, surgical instruments, cotton, food & agricultural items and articles of stone. The items imported from Latvia to Pakistan were products of cereals, mineral fuels, organic/inorganic chemicals, plastic & articles thereof, wood & articles thereof, articles of iron & steel, electrical machinery, and optical and photographic instruments.

Pakistani Community

5.         Around 292 Pakistanis are living in Latvia including over 140 students.