On 12 March 2021, the Ambassador of Latvia to the Kingdom of Spain, Māris Klišāns, presented his credentials to the Co-Prince of Andorra and Archbishop of Urgell, the Most Reverend Joan-Enric Vives Sicília, thereby becoming non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Principality of Andorra. The ceremony took place at the Co-Prince’s Episcopal Palace in the city of La Seu d’Urgell, with participation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Andorra, Maria Ubach Font.
During the accreditation visit, the Ambassador had several meetings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ambassador presented copies of his credentials to the Foreign Minister of Andorra, Maria Ubach Font. The Ambassador and the Foreign Minister discussed the need for continued bilateral political and economic cooperation, as well as in international organisations and on EU-related matters, in view of negotiations between the EU and Andorra on an Association Agreement.
Ambassador Klišāns highlighted Latvia’s work on the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and candidacies nominated for posts in international organisations. The officials agreed that cooperation in international organisations is essential for addressing present-day challenges and attending to issues of common interest for both countries such as sustainable development, climate change, upholding human rights and the rule of law, and combatting disinformation. Given the spread of COVID-19, the epidemiological situation and questions about the vaccination process were discussed.
In a meeting with the Director of the Department of Bilateral and Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Andorra, Cristina Mota Gouveia, views were shared on bilateral cooperation including exchanges of visits by officials and future prospects in cooperation with a particular emphasis on business and trade.
Ambassador Klišāns informed the Director about Latvia’s expertise in the ITC field and advocated building up cooperation with the associations and clusters of this sector in Latvia.
Background information
Māris Klišāns has been Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Spain since October 2020. Upon submission of his credentials on 12 March, Māris Klišāns assumes the post of non-resident Ambassador of Latvia to the Principality of Andorra.
Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Latvia and the Principality of Andorra were established on 27 August 1996.