On 20 February 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs, and the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, met with the Chair of the World Federation of Free Latvians (PBLA), Kristīne Saulīte; Vice Chair Mārtiņš Andersons; PBLA Executive Director, Raits Eglītis; and the Head of the PBLA Office in Rīga, Jānis Andersons.
During the meeting, the Minister informed the PBLA leadership about key issues in Latvia’s foreign policy and security policy. The Minister commended the World Federation of Free Latvians for its invaluable support in the process of regaining Latvia’s independence and restoration of the Republic of Latvia and he called on them to continue fostering the strength of Latvia’s transatlantic links.
The representatives of the World Federation of Free Latvians thanked the Minister and expressed their appreciation for excellent cooperation in all fields, with a special focus on the activities of the Diaspora Advisory Council and implementation of the Diaspora Law.
In a discussion on PBLA’s involvement in economic policy processes in Latvia, it was underlined that further support was needed for the PBLA initiative that promotes cooperation with companies around the world, including those of expat Latvians, with the business community in Latvia. The Spotlight Latvia business seminar to be held in Los Angeles this coming September, which has become a successful tradition, is but one of the many events in this field. A number of events are being planned in Latvia with the aim of bringing regional businesses in contact with foreign partners. Latvian honorary consuls in the countries with a large Latvian community could have a major role to play in this respect.
The Minister confirmed that, in continuing to develop the network of missions of abroad, the opening of an embassy in Australia remains a priority.