On 22 September 2021, the heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Latvia are going on their annual regional tour. The ambassadors have been invited by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andris Pelšs, to explore Vidzeme Region – Smiltene, Alūksne, Stāmeriena, and Gulbene. The ambassadors will gain an insight into the region’s culture, history, and the offer of its tourism and hospitality sector, as well as learning about business opportunities in the region. The tour will bring together more than 60 participants.
In Smiltene, the ambassadors will visit a vocational education competence centre, “Smiltene tehnikums”, and meet its director, Andris Miezītis. The visitors will also be introduced to the diverse products of “Smiltenes piens” dairy company.
At the Alūksne Culture Centre, the ambassadors will be welcomed by the Chairman of the Alūksne District Council, Dzintars Adlers. During the trip, they will enjoy a performance by a girls’ vocal trio at Kolberģis Community Centre and have the opportunity to look at handmade items by local craftspeople, as well as visiting the CEWOOD manufacturer of fibreboard panels, and an egg factory, “Alūksnes putnu ferma”. The ambassador will have a guided tour of the town followed by a rail trip by the Alūksne–Gulbene narrow-gauge train.
In Gulbene, the ambassadors are to visit a metal processing plant, Rubate Metal, where they will be welcomed by its board member, Dāvis Sliede. At the Stāmeriena Manor, the visitors will be given a tour by the Chairman of the Gulbene District Council, Andis Caunītis, and the director of the manor, Edīte Siļķēna. In Gulbene, the ambassadors will also see the Vecgulbene Manor.
Each year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs arranges a trip for foreign ambassadors to a particular Latvian region. Last year, ambassadors had the opportunity to explore Zemgale, and before that, the Latgale and Kurzeme regions.
Diplomatic missions of 117 countries and representations of 13 international organisations have been accredited in Latvia.
Epidemiological safety requirements will be observed throughout the trip.
For the attention of the media
Members of the media interested in covering the event are requested to contact the Communications Group of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the phone number 67016272.