In a meeting with foreign Honorary Consuls in Latvia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, discussed current and strategic priorities of the Foreign Service. Recalling Latvia’s unwavering support to Ukraine, the Foreign Minister urged the Honorary Consuls to promote the engagement of the countries they represent in supporting Ukraine and its economy as donors.
“Latvia’s priorities are security, economy and people in the broadest sense. At the moment, we are using all possible channels and formats to support Ukraine and degrade Russia’s combat capabilities, since our security, that of the entire EU and of our Allies is closely linked to Ukraine’s success on the battlefield. Latvia – our government, businesses and society as a whole – has done a great deal to support Ukraine. Assistance and support to Ukraine must not weaken,” Baiba Braže underlined.
At the same time, the Foreign Minister pointed out: “Latvia is a safe and stable member of NATO and the EU, and we are an attractive and safe place for investment and trade. Over the past three months, several business forums (with France, Africa, California) have taken place, in addition to a networking event for our honorary consuls and Latvian companies. This leads us to conclude that there are various opportunities for cooperation in a number of fields, and the Foreign Service is actively working towards the economic interests of Latvia, using the tools available and the network of contacts.”
Baiba Braže underlined the essential role of foreign honorary consuls in promoting relations between Latvia and foreign countries, and she welcomed their current contribution to fostering cooperation in economy, security and culture. This is particularly important in relations with countries where there is no Latvian embassy, and which do not have their embassies in Latvia. Baiba Braže indicated that it was the honorary consuls who could help shaping Latvia’s image and visibility abroad.
Recalling Latvia’s unwavering support for Ukraine, the Foreign Minister urged the Honorary Consuls to promote the engagement of the countries they represent to support Ukraine and its economy as donors.
Baiba Braže also emphasised that the topics of economic cooperation and development are always on the agenda, as the Foreign Ministry is organising seminars, business delegation visits, bilateral visits, business forums and other events.
The meeting with the Honorary Consuls also addressed possible cooperation formats that could open up opportunities for them to strengthen contacts between Latvia and the countries they represent. Baiba Braže called on the Honorary Consuls to cooperate actively with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and line ministries, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, and business organisations.
Taking part in the discussion with the Foreign Minister Baiba Braže on Monday, 29 July 2024, were representatives from the foreign honorary consular corps – the Sri Lankan Honorary Consul in Latvia, Arnis Ančupāns, the Australian Honorary Consul in Latvia, Toby Moore, and the Uruguayan Honorary Consul in Latvia, Vita Liberte. In 2025, the Foreign Honorary Consular Corps association will mark its ten-year anniversary.