Tartu and Rīga signed a declaration of cooperation on 14 March 2005.
The two cities have worked together on projects spanning culture, sports, tourism, marketing, entrepreneurship, health and welfare.
Eriks Dreibants, the head chef at Kaļķu Vārti, the best-known restaurant in Rīga, has showcased Latvian restaurant and food culture during the Twin Towns' National Cuisine Days in Tartu.
Rīga also belongs to the Union of Baltic Cities and the Hanseatic League.