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Foreign Secretary Liz Truss today (Monday 6 December) met her Latvian counterpart, Foreign Minister Edgars Rink膿vi膷s, to sign a Joint Declaration forging stronger UK-Latvian trade and technology ties; and enhancing cooperation in tackling cyber-security issues, protecting democratic values and freedoms and tackling malign state threats.

After the signing, the 2 Foreign Ministers attended a tree-lighting ceremony at Lancaster House to officially switch-on the Christmas tree gifted to the UK by Latvia.

皇冠体育app ceremony was also marked by hymns from the London Latvian Choir.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said:

As 2 nations protecting the frontier of Europe, the UK and Latvia are freedom-loving nations committed to defending democracy, human rights and the rule of law across the world.

This Declaration boosts an already strong relationship as we mark a centenary of diplomatic relations and Latvia celebrates 30 years of independence.

皇冠体育app UK and Latvia are increasingly the target of hybrid threats that aim to weaken our economies, democracies and social cohesion.

皇冠体育app joint statement sets out how, in defence of our values, the UK and Latvia will increase our deterrence and resilience capabilities to counter interference in our democracies, and protect against espionage, disinformation, and malicious cyber activity.

皇冠体育app UK and Latvia also committed to continue to build collective resilience against aggressive behaviour by Russia, Belarus and China.

This meeting follows the Foreign Secretary鈥檚 visit to Riga last week, where she met with European and NATO allies to discuss the UK鈥檚 enduring commitment to NATO; countering hybrid warfare like cyber and migration; and a collective response to Russian aggression.

Background

• pictures from the tree-lighting ceremony event are available on the page

• the Joint Declaration is available on GOV.UK