The MFA Ambassador-at-Large for the Diaspora, Elita Gavele, while in Moldova, presents Latvia’s experience of developing a diaspora policy

On 8–9 February 2022, the Ambassador-at-Large for the Diaspora at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Elita Gavele, made a visit to the Republic of Moldova, in order to acquaint the Moldovan colleagues with the experience of Latvia in the formulation and implementation of the diaspora policy, the legal framework laid down in the Diaspora Law, the Plan for Work with the Diaspora for 2021–2023, and the basic principles of the formation and functioning of the Diaspora Advisory Council. 

During her visit, the Ambassador-at-Large Elita Gavele and the Latvian Ambassador Uldis Mikuts met with the Adviser to the President of Moldova on the diaspora, Elena Druță; the Head of the Prime Minister’s Office, Stella Jemna; the Adviser to the Prime Minister on education and youth, Mariana Țurcan; the State Secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Felicia Bechtoldt; and the Head of the Diaspora Relations Bureau at the State Chancellery, Nadejda Zubco.

Elita Gavele also visited the Parliament of Moldova, where she had a meeting with the Chair and members of the parliamentary friendship group for cooperation with Latvia, and MPs elected from among the diaspora, as well as representatives of international organisations that support Moldova’s efforts of strengthening the link with the diaspora.

The Ambassador-at-Large for the diaspora introduced the Moldovan colleagues to the historic background of the formation of Latvian diaspora, the objectives of the diaspora policy, and the main lines of action. A special emphasis was laid on the work of the Foreign Ministry and embassies in engaging with the diaspora, the implementation of the diaspora policy and coordination of activities by the Diaspora Advisory Council, which differ from Moldova’s practice. Moldovan officials received practical information on the structure of Latvian diaspora organisations and possibilities for them to apply and seek funding for diaspora support projects in competitions organised by the Foreign Ministry. 

The Moldovan partners underlined that civic participation among the Moldovan diaspora has recently been increasing, which is especially visible in the context of elections. New effective mechanisms are being sought for engaging with the diaspora; therefore, it is especially helpful to explore Latvia’s experience. The Moldovan colleagues recognised that the visit by the Latvian Ambassador for the Diaspora to Chișinău was a positive impulse for closer coordination, sharing of ideas and strengthening cooperation among the competent authorities to form a diaspora policy in the future.