On 13 January 2020, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andris Pelšs, had an online conversation with the new Ambassador of Portugal to Latvia, Sara Feronha Martins.
During the conversation, the State Secretary congratulated the Ambassador on her new post and commended the good relations between Latvia and Portugal. Referring to Latvia and Portugal celebrating the centenary of diplomatic relations this year, Andris Pelšs expressed Latvia’s interest in intensifying the exchange of visits between the two countries when the epidemiological conditions permit.
Sara Feronha Martins underlined that she was prepared to develop the political dialogue at all levels as well as cooperation in business and culture. Concerning economic affairs, the State Secretary pointed out to bioeconomy, biomedicine, smart materials, smart energy and ICT as potential areas for cooperation.
The State Secretary and the Ambassador of Portugal shared views on topics of current importance for the EU and addressing the COVID-19 crisis. State Secretary Pelšs expressed support for the priorities set by Portugal for its Presidency of the Council of the European Union, welcoming the focus placed on the Green Deal, digitalisation and the rule of law. In a discussion on recent security policy developments, the State Secretary thanked the Ambassador for Portugal’s contribution to the Baltic Air Policing Mission.
The Ambassador of Portugal resides in Stockholm, Sweden. A remote accreditation with the President of Latvia, Egils Levits, will be held on 18 January.