Latvian Ambassador Advances UK Cooperation Through Strategic Visit to Cambridge

Visit highlights partnerships in security, science, innovation, and green technologies

March 17th, 2026
Mantout Salomé, News from Berlin Global
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Atis Lots undertook a regional working visit to Cambridge on 12 March, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between Latvia and the United Kingdom. Accompanied by Defence Attaché Mihails Potapovs, Second Secretary Santa Rosicka, and Imants Martinsons representing industry, the visit focused on advancing cooperation in key sectors including security, research, education, and economic development.

A central component of the visit was engagement with the Centre for Geopolitics, University of Cambridge, where the Ambassador met with Brendan Simms and Charles Clarke. Discussions explored opportunities to deepen academic collaboration, particularly in the study of the Baltic region, and highlighted growing interest in partnerships with Latvian universities and researchers. Latvian students currently studying in Cambridge also participated, contributing to an exchange that underscored the importance of academic networks in strengthening long-term bilateral ties.

The visit also included meetings with key actors in the United Kingdom’s innovation and defence ecosystem. At Cambridge Aerospace, the Ambassador met with Steven Barrett to discuss security developments and potential collaboration between Latvian and British defence industries. Further discussions with the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce highlighted opportunities to expand trade and encourage sector-specific business exchanges. Engagements with the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and Cambridge Cleantech focused on cooperation in sustainability, energy, and green innovation—areas of increasing strategic importance for both countries.

In addition, the Ambassador visited the European Bioinformatics Institute, part of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, of which Latvia is a member state. Discussions with institute representatives highlighted opportunities for Latvian scientists to access advanced research infrastructure, data resources, and collaborative networks in molecular biology and bioinformatics. These engagements reflect Latvia’s broader commitment to strengthening its participation in international scientific frameworks and enhancing its research capacity.

The visit demonstrated the multifaceted nature of modern diplomacy, combining economic, scientific, and technological cooperation with academic and industry engagement. By connecting stakeholders across government, academia, and the private sector, such initiatives contribute to building resilient partnerships that support innovation, security, and sustainable growth. Strengthening ties with leading institutions in Cambridge also enhances Latvia’s integration into global knowledge and innovation networks.

Through this visit, the Embassy of Latvia in the United Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to advancing practical cooperation and fostering long-term partnerships. By promoting collaboration in strategic sectors, Latvia and the United Kingdom continue to build a forward-looking bilateral relationship grounded in shared interests, innovation, and mutual benefit.

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