WT/MIN(24)/ST/47  
26 February  2024 
(24-1524) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Thirteenth Session  
Abu Dhabi, 26 -29 February 2024  Original: English  
 
STATEMENT BY H.E. MR REINIS BRUSBĀRDIS  
PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY OF THE  
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS  
LATVIA 
It is a pleasure to address you at the launch of the 13th WTO Ministerial conference in Abu Dhabi.  
Latvia is committed to an open, rules -based and free trade.  
Transparent multilateral trade environment and effective regulatory landscape encourages the 
growth of modern economies.  
It is only with clear rules of th e game that businesses can gain full benefit and operate with 
confidence.  
This is true for large trade powerhouses, as well as smaller states, like Latvia.  
Here, the role of the WTO becomes evident.  
By uniting players from all over the world, it serves as the backbone of the rules -based international 
trade system.  
And the WTO 's relevance remains clear through its growing global Membership.  
Today, Latvia would like to extend a warm welcome to Timor -Leste and Comoros as they join 
the WTO.  
Currently, there are  new tasks, which the Organisation must be able to navigate timely, decisively 
and effectively.  
We see how geopolitical tensions motivate trade frictions.  
Rules -based international order and peace are necessary preconditions for sustainable economic 
develo pment and unhindered trade.  
It is unacceptable that for more than two years Russian Federation is carrying out illegal, unprovoked 
and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine.  
By occupying and devastating Ukrainian territory and its critical infrastructure, blockading ports and 
turning farmlands into battlefields , Russian Federation has disrupted supply chains and exacerbated 
food insecurity in the world.  
We commend the efforts of Ukraine, one of the largest grain exporters in the wor ld, to sustain its 
export in the face of Russia 's aggression and attempts to use food as a weapon of war.  
In a period marked by geopolitical instability, climate crisis and economic  challenges, the MC13 has 
a difficult yet ambitious goal.  WT/MIN(24)/ST/47  
 
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  It has to deliver a meaningful change.  
Recognising the WTO 's global role, Latvia calls to continue efforts to reform it.  
First of all, we need to do everything we can to work towards restoring a fully functioning and 
accessible dispute settlement system.  
This also a pplies to negotiation and deliberation functions.  
Moreover, it is crucial for the WTO to recognise the specific pressures and demands of the modern 
world.  
For instance, rapid global digitalisation highlights new priorities.  
Among them are the extension of the E-commerce Moratorium and finalisation of the agreement on 
the Joint Initiative on E -commerce.  
Of course, this has to be done with an inclusive approach in mind.  
Trade serves as a valuable accompanying tool for sustainable development, protection of hu man 
rights and environment.  
So, we welcome the efforts to reinforce the sustainability, inclusivity and climate agenda at the 
MC13.  
It is crucial to remember that, at its core, the value of the WTO is in its ability to provide benefit to 
our businesses – be they large, medium or small, and regardless of their geographical location.  
Needless to say, support from across the WTO Membership will be critical to reach these objectives.  
I am glad to see this ambition reflected today and over the following week.  
We are looking forward to a positive outcome at the MC13, which will reward us all.  
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