a statement by the ministry said: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs regrets the outcome of the United Kingdom’s European Union membership referendum.
"The United Kingdom will remain an important ally and international partner to Latvia. Close relations will be maintained including in foreign affairs and security policy.
"In the near future, negotiations must begin concerning the conditions on which the United Kingdom will withdraw from the European Union and a future model of the relationship.
"In these negotiations, the Latvian Government will make every effort to protect its national interests, the interests of Latvian nationals in the U.K. and the EU’s common interests. A solution acceptable for all the involved parties needs to be reached.
"This is an unprecedented occasion in the EU’s history; therefore, it is difficult to predict the length and outcome of this process."
In the wake of the referendum, Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis expressed his disappointment with the outcome.
"It is clear the British withdrawal will affect and change the EU," Vejonis said in a statement.
"Member States will have to do everything possible to preserve progress made in the integration process, while promoting economic growth, global competitiveness and public support."
He also stressed that the Latvian government should "do everything necessary to defend the interests of Latvian nationals in the UK and the EU Member States' common interests."
