On 2 September 2024 in Strasbourg, France, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to the Council of Europe, Agnese Wilde, submitted her letter of credence to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić.
At the meeting, the Ambassador reaffirmed Latvia’s support for the work of the Council of Europe, emphasizing that during Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the Council of Europe is providing significant support to Ukraine to ensure the rule of law and seeking to hold Russia accountable. Agnese Wilde said Latvia would continue to strongly advocate for sustained support to Ukraine in the Council of Europe. It is necessary to strengthen both the functioning of the Register of Damage caused by Russia in Ukraine and to continue debate on the role of the Council of Europe in establishing a compensation mechanism and a special tribunal for the crime of aggression. The Ambassador also emphasized to the Secretary General Latvia’s unwavering position against the employment of Russian citizens or dual citizens in the Council of Europe’s institutions, because Russia has been expelled from the organization.
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe thanked Latvia for its contribution to the content-related work of the organisation in order to strengthen and protect human rights, democracy and the rule of law. This is confirmed by the successful Latvian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe last year. Marija Pejčinović Burić, who will soon conclude her term in office as Secretary General, welcomed the strengthening of the role of the Council of Europe and the organisation’s support to Ukraine.
Background information
The Council of Europe, established in 1949, is the oldest political organisation in Europe and comprises 46 European countries. The organisation aims at building a common democratic and legal space and safeguarding its fundamental values – human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Latvia joined the Council of Europe on 10 February 1995. This organisation had an important role to play in the restoration and strengthening of Latvia’s statehood.
The political agenda of the Council of Europe is mapped out in the Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly. The European Court of Human Rights, the Congress of Local and regional Authorities and a number of other bodies are functioning under the umbrella of the organisation, with various Latvian institutions being involved in their work. Latvia has acceded to more than 100 international agreements developed within the framework of the Council of Europe.
Everyday representation of Latvia’s interests in the organisation is ensured by the Permanent Representation to the Council of Europe.