Moldova has not been the subject of much scholarly interest in Latvia.1
However, this could change, as Latvian relations with Moldova have
intensified after Latvia’s accession to the European Union in 2004. Latvia
has identified Moldova as a priority country for development cooperation.
Moreover, Latvia has participated in the EU Border Assistance Mission,
provided assistance in the implementation of democratic and institutional
reforms, and shared its EU integration experience.
The Latvian national airline “Air Baltic” opened direct flights from
Riga to Chisinau in March 2008. If previous experience in the region is
any guide (e.g., in Azerbaijan, Georgia), one can predict that the opening
of a direct flight will be followed by the opening of a Latvian embassy
in Chisinau. Moreover, Latvian Foreign Minister Maris Riekstinš has
supported the opening of an embassy.2
For the time being, LatvianMoldovan
economic cooperation is weak, as Moldova is Latvia’s 38th
export partner and 51st import partner,3
though there are some reports
of guest workers from Moldova working in Latvia.