On 28 September 2022, the heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Latvia will be going on their annual regional tour – this year to the region of Kurzeme. The aim of the tours is to advance Latvia’s bilateral relations through attracting investments and promoting economic cooperation and tourism opportunities in the regions, as well as showcasing the diverse cultural and historical heritage of Latvia. The ambassadors have been invited by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andris Pelšs, to explore cities and villages in Kurzeme – Saldus, Liepāja, Jūrkalne, Alsunga, and Ēdole. The tour brings together more than 30 participants.
In Saldus History and Art Museum, the participants will get acquainted with the early period of the creative life of the prominent Latvian painter, Janis Rozentāls, and see his original works.
In the Liepāja Concert Hall Great Amber, the visitors will be welcomed by Gunārs Ansiņš, Mayor of Liepāja City, Atis Deksnis, Deputy Chairman of Liepāja City Council, and Timurs Tomsons, the Concert Hall’s Chairman of the Board. A musical performance will be given by the Amber Strings ensemble from Liepāja Secondary School for Music, Art and Design.
For an insight into an offer for economic cooperation, the ambassadors intend to visit the Liepājas Special Economic Zone – the Liepāja Port, companies Ekers Stividors, Terrabalt, Interspiro Production, Jensen Metal, and Caljan, the Karosta Industrial Park, and the industrial territory of Liepājas Metalurgs steel works.
The participants will find out more about Liepāja as a candidate for nomination as European Capital of Culture in 2027, as well as having a tour of a museum for the 17th-19th century interiors, Madame Hoyer's Guest House, and the recently restored Emperor’s Pavilion in the Seaside Park.
On their way to the village of Alsunga, the foreign ambassadors will visit The Sail of Hope commemorative marker at Jūrkalne, dedicated to Latvian refugees who fled to Sweden, crossing the Baltic Sea in boats in 1944-1945. While in Alsunga, the participants will see a Livonian Order castle and St Michael’s Roman Catholic church, and will have the opportunity to purchase handmade items by local craftspeople at Alsunga Crafts House.
The ambassadors are to conclude their regional trip by a visit to the Ēdole mediaeval castle.
Background information
Each year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs arranges a trip for foreign ambassadors to a particular Latvian region. Last year, heads of missions had the opportunity to explore Vidzeme, and before that, the regions of Zemgale and Latgale.
Diplomatic missions of 133 countries and representations of 14 international organisations have been accredited in Latvia.