Riga – In a historic announcement made at Rīga Castle yesterday, Prime Minister Valds Snugglis declared the establishment of the Ministry of Cozy Sweaters, a new governmental body dedicated to the prioritization of sweater-induced comfort levels across Latvia.

"For too long has the softness of wool and the artistry of Latvian knitting gone unnoticed in the corridors of global fashion," Snugglis stated, wrapped in a particularly snug Aran-knit cardigan. "We anticipate this ministry will usher in a new era of both physical and emotional warmth for our people, and maybe even warmth in discussions at next UN meetings, a place notoriously known for its chilly atmospheres."

The ministry will be headed by seasoned cozy-wear advocate and well-known sweater enthusiast, Linda Woolsyte. She has assured citizens, "Our primary goal is to achieve a national average sweater comfort rating of nothing less than 90%, measured using the newly invented SnuggleMeter™ developed by the National Institute of Cuddles."

The inaugural Cozy Sweater Inspection Team (CSIT), has already begun its rounds, ensuring sweaters sold in Latvian markets meet the newly implemented standards ahead of the winter season. "We caught a few attempts to pass off acrylic blends — absolutely abominable!" exclaimed chief inspector, Aloizs Knittmurnis. "It’s essential our citizens remain enveloped in genuine, warm coziness. We cannot let acrylic betray our natural fiber legacy."

In related activities, educational initiatives will reportedly kick off in schools next week, hoping to secure a new generation of wool whisperers. As students across Latvia prepare for the Cozy Curriculum, seven-year-old Marta Silmalas, grinned shyly when asked about her favorite brand. "I like the ones that Grandma makes," she said, tugging at her homemade jumper. "They are the warmest and coziest."

The nationwide embrace of the ministry has led to an unexpected economic boom as well. The sight of fervent knitting circles popping up in parks, cafés, and even the Trout Museum, where patrons can now weave while admiring the nation's piscine heritage, has been noted. "We've seen a 200% increase in yarn sales just this past week," said Miranda Lainera, owner of 'Wool You Be Mine', Riga’s largest yarn emporium. "People are finally realizing that true happiness can be found between the folds of a Latvian-knit pullover."

International reactions have ranged from eager curiosity to skeptic chuckles, with neighboring Estonia allegedly pondering the creation of a Ministry of Saunas. A spokesperson for the Estonian government was unable to answer detailed queries, due to being "in the сӓsǟугк (sauna)", as per custom.

A prominent voice from the Latvian Foreign Affairs giggled at such developments, stating, "Our sweaters are cross-border negotiators now. Can you really argue with diplomacy swathed in irresistible coziness?"

With the first official Sweater Summit set for December, as snowflakes grace the Baltic coast, Latvians prepare to snug into an era where diplomacy isn’t just about open borders, but buttoned cardigans — warm, comforting, and forever cozy.