Latvia and Ireland Forge Deeper Ties in Food, AI, and Defense

RIGA - Latvian Economics Minister Viktors Valainis (Greens/Farmers) and Irish Ambassador to Latvia Marcella Smyth have confirmed their respective countries' readiness to expand cooperation in the food industry, artificial intelligence (AI), and defense, LETA was told at the Economics Ministry. The ministry said that during the meeting on Monday, January 19, representatives of the two countries discussed cooperation. Economics Ministry noted that Latvia and Ireland share a similar vision on key issues on the European Union's (EU) agenda, including the need to boost competitiveness and reduce EU regulation to promote the development of AI and technology in Europe. During the talks, representatives of both countries confirmed their common understanding of the need to continue active dialogue at the political and economic level and expressed their readiness to expand cooperation in various areas, the ministry said. The sides agreed to promote structured economic cooperation, including by identifying Irish companies already operating in Latvia and further opportunities for cooperation and investment. The Irish side confirmed its readiness to ensure the exchange of information on major exhibitions and industry events in Ireland, where Latvia would have the opportunity to strengthen its presentation of economic, investment, and export potential. The Irish ambassador also appreciated Latvia's expertise in the drone manufacturing industry and acknowledged that there is great potential for cooperation between the two countries in this field. Valainis noted that he sees potential for closer cooperation in strategic areas such as AI, high technology, the food sector, and the defense industry, which are key to both Europe's security and sustainable growth. The Latvian minister underlined that Ireland is an important and reliable economic partner for Latvia and expressed confidence that Ireland's upcoming presidency of the EU Council will give new impetus to bilateral cooperation between the two countries and to the attainment of common European goals. The Economics Ministry notes that Ireland is an important trade partner of Latvia - in 2024, Ireland was Latvia's 15th largest trade partner, ranking 14th in exports and 10th in imports. In 2025, trade volumes continued to grow.