Interview with Mr. Gatis Šneiders

Diplomat Link is pleased to share another insightful conversation conducted by Mr. Akmla Nazir, Founder of Diplomat Link, with Mr. Gatis Šneiders, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Latvia in the Netherlands. The discussion explored a range of important topics, offering valuable perspectives on diplomacy, trade and cultural relations, and Latvia’s engagement with the Netherlands. We invite you to read the full interview below and share your thoughts and feedback with us by emailing the address provided below.

Q1. How do you describe the greatest potential between the Netherlands and Latvia?

Ans. The potential is evident when you consider their geographical proximity in Europe. Both countries are members of the European Union and the Eurozone, which establishes a natural bond. Positioned in the northeastern part of Europe, Latvia is centrally located among the Baltic countries and close to Nordic nations like Finland and Sweden. This provides a strategic position conducive to trade and services. The Netherlands and Latvia boast robust transportation, logistics, and port infrastructure, making them ideal partners.

Q2. How do you see the current relationship between Latvia and the Netherlands enhancing connectivity between Eastern and Western Europe?

Ans. The ongoing trade and logistics operations between the two countries facilitate daily connectivity. The Netherlands, given its central European location, enhances this competitive edge. Both countries have strong port infrastructure and excellent air connectivity. Companies such as KLM and airBaltic already cooperate closely, ensuring smooth connections with Dutch ports and airports like Schiphol.

Q3. What opportunities do you see in terms of circular economy initiatives, information technology, and climate-friendly technologies? How can both countries collaborate to enhance this relationship?

Ans. These sectors are crucial for future-focused economies. Collaboration begins with scientific partnerships, often involving technical universities from both countries. This extends to businesses working on technology, climate, and environmental initiatives. Defence is another critical area of cooperation, highlighted by Latvia's engagement with the Netherlands in drone technology, evidenced by numerous Dutch businesses participating in a recent drone summit in Riga.

Q4. Latvia is known as a tourist destination. How can the Netherlands and Latvia encourage more tourism and cultural exchanges?

Ans. Cultural exchanges go hand in hand with tourism. Latvia offers diverse natural attractions that differ from those in the Netherlands. It boasts vast forested areas and extensive sandy or rocky beaches. With less population density than the Netherlands, visitors can enjoy tranquil natural settings. Regular daily flights facilitated by airBaltic ensure smooth travel between these destinations, enabling effortless cultural exchanges.

Q5. Considering the strategic outlook for the next five years, how do you foresee the cultural and trade relationship between the Netherlands and Latvia evolving?

Ans. I believe we are only becoming more robust and closely connected. Trade relations are continuously strengthening. For Latvia, the Netherlands has long been a crucial trading partner, not only in trade but also in investments. It's typically the fifth or sixth largest trade partner for Latvia and remains one of the biggest investors. The trend is clearly on an upward trajectory. Additionally, the need to collaborate with like-minded countries, those that share similar values, currencies, and regulatory frameworks within the EU is increasingly evident. Bringing our cooperation closer is a natural progression. We need to become more economically integrated within Europe, and I can't see this trend diminishing in significance over the coming years. It will only grow stronger as our cooperation expands, continually proving its value.

Please leave your valuable feedback at info@diplomatlink.com

Thank you for your support and valuable feedback!