The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia and the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science Join the Partnership Circle in the LVRTC-Initiated Cooperation Memorandum on the Development of Quantum Technologies

Today, July 18th, a ceremonial event was held at the premises of the state joint-stock company “Latvian State Radio and Television Centre” (hereinafter – LVRTC) at the Zaķusala Television Tower. The event marked the inclusion of new members in the LVRTC-initiated cooperation memorandum for the development of quantum technologies in Latvia. Additionally, a discussion titled “Quantum Technologies in Latvia – Opportunities, Security, Challenges” took place with leading experts in the field, which was also available for online viewing.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science (EDI) joined the existing 11 cooperation partners*. The event was attended by and the memorandum was signed by Latvia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Baiba Braže and EDI Director Modris Greitāns. The existing partners were represented by Minister of Transport Kaspars Briškens, Minister of Defense Andris Sprūds, LVRTC Chairman of the Board Ģirts Ozols, Rector of Riga Technical University Tālis Juhna, and others. The memorandum was initially prepared and signed last fall on the initiative of the LVRTC, bringing together various state institutions, scientific institutions, private technology companies, and IT industry leaders to promote joint action and cooperation in the development and implementation of quantum technologies in Latvia.

“I am pleased that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has joined the partners of this memorandum. When thinking about the country’s development, the progress of Latvian science, and the involvement of our scientists in the creation of innovative technologies, our joint action in the implementation of modern technologies and scientific inventions must be based on three main cornerstones: cooperation, utilization of opportunities and our potential, and understanding of national security and international cooperation,” stated Minister of Foreign Affairs Baiba Braže, emphasizing that such a cooperation memorandum serves as a “roadmap” for the unified activities of state institutions, scientific institutions, private companies, and IT industry leaders in ensuring the country’s strategic interests in high technology. “The memorandum will enable partners to gain a unified understanding of existing knowledge and opportunities and will foster sustainable cooperation to jointly help develop quantum technology in Latvia, promote achievements internationally, and attract cooperation partners.” By joining the memorandum on the development of quantum technologies in Latvia, the MFA will promote the recognition of Latvia’s achievements internationally. The MFA will also support Latvia’s involvement in specific international cooperation mechanisms within the EU and NATO, which will help the memorandum alliance and the participants of the Latvian Quantum Initiative to form a unified understanding of the development and standardization of quantum mechanics in allied countries.

“The MFA and EDI joining the cooperation memorandum indicates that the LVRTC’s initiative to proactively create a cooperation platform for the development, acquisition, and implementation of new, progressive technologies is expanding, finding new partners among state institutions, scientists, and IT entrepreneurs,” emphasized LVRTC Chairman of the Board Ģirts Ozols. “And this is very significant – to gain understanding and support so that Latvia continues to be one of the leaders in the development of quantum technologies both in the region and in Europe, to be prepared and cooperate to utilize the opportunities of these technologies, to ensure data and state cybersecurity, and to be ready for the challenges brought by new opportunities in the scientific, economic, and national security fields,” highlighted Ģirts Ozols, Chairman of the Board of LVRTC.

“The goal of this memorandum is to ensure comprehensive cooperation between all parties involved and interested in the IT sector,” said EDI Director Modris Greitāns, expressing confidence that EDI’s joining of the cooperation memorandum will be another solid brick in the successfully initiated cooperation project. “Latvia is not a large country with immense financial and human resources, so we cannot afford to realize such a powerful development project without the involvement and support of all parties for each other. EDI is already participating in several international projects related to quantum technologies, but participation in this cooperation memorandum is another step to unite Latvia’s state institutions, scientific institutions, universities, private entrepreneurs, and experts for joint work. Only by combining forces will we be able to achieve the best results for Latvia,” said Modris Greitāns, Director of EDI.

Following the signing of the memorandum, a discussion on the development of quantum technologies and the challenges of their implementation in daily life titled “Quantum Technologies in Latvia – Opportunities, Security, Challenges” took place, featuring leading experts in the field: Minister of Transport Kaspars Briškens, LVRTC Lead Quantum Encryption Engineer Dr. Leo Trukšāns, representatives of partners – Rector of Riga Technical University Tālis Juhna, Member of the Board of SIA “Tet” Dmitrijs Ņikitins, Member of the Board of SIA “LMT” Ingmārs Pūķis, Vice-Rector of the University of Latvia Guntars Kitenbergs, and Deputy State Secretary for Digital Transformation at the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development Gatis Ozols.

The development of quantum technologies in Latvia has significant potential for growth and innovation. Latvia is becoming a center for quantum technology research and development in the region, making the memorandum an essential step towards a unified understanding and sustainable cooperation among all involved parties, knowledge and experience exchange, and the application of technologies in industries. In 2021, LVRTC, together with the Institute of Mathematics and Computer Sciencem, University of Latvia (IMCS UL), conducted a quantum data transmission test over a network of more than 33 km. Currently, LVRTC, together with partners – SIA Tet, SJSC Electronic COmmunications Office of Latvia, and IMCS UL, is implementing the project “Establishment of National Quantum Communication Infrastructure Systems and Networks”.