Latvia–United States relations

Latvia-United States relations are bilateral relations between Latvia and the United States.

History

The United States established diplomatic relations with Latvia on July 28, 1922. The U.S. Legation in Riga was officially established on November 13, 1922 and served as the headquarters for U.S. representation in the Baltics during the interwar era. The Soviet invasion forced the closure of the legation on September 5, 1940, but Latvian representation in the United States has continued uninterrupted for 85 years. The United States never recognized the forcible incorporation of Latvia into the U.S.S.R. and views the present Government of Latvia as a legal continuation of the interwar republic.

Latvia and the United States have signed treaties on investment, trade, intellectual property protection, extradition, mutual legal assistance, and avoidance of double taxation. Latvia has enjoyed most-favored-nation treatment with the United States since December 1991.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials include:
* Ambassador--Charles W. Larson, Jr.
* Deputy Chief of Mission--Stuart Seldowitz
* Political/Economic Officer--Tamir Waser
* Management Officer--Eric Kettner
* Consular Officer--Stephen T. Frahm
* Public Affairs Officer--William Bellis
* Defense Attache--Lt. Col. David Holahan

The U.S. Embassy in Latvia is located in Riga.

See also

* Foreign relations of the United States
* Foreign relations of Latvia

References

StateDept [http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5378.htm#relations]