On 12 June 2024, the Ambassador of Latvia to Italy, Elita Gavele, submitted credentials to Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome.
During the meeting with the Director-General, the Ambassador gave assurance of Latvia’s support for the Organisation and its objectives, particularly highlighting the role of the FAO in the context of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. The Ambassador repeatedly underlined Latvia’s unwavering support for Ukraine, both from the government and society. During the discussion, the officials also exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, highlighting the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Elita Gavele stressed that in the current situation, it is important to keep these issues on the FAO’s agenda.
The Director-General of the FAO provided information about the issues on the current agenda, highlighting the challenges related to food supply, but further emphasising food affordability. At the same time, Qu Dongyu highlighted the developments in the Organisation since he took office.
At the end of the meeting, Elita Gavele provided information about Latvia’s candidacy for the 2025 UN Security Council elections for participation in 2026–2027, as well as about Latvia’s priorities, underlining its commitment to assume its share of responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.
