On 20 September 2024, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andžejs Viļumsons, welcomed an introductory visit from the next Apostolic Nuncio (Ambassador of the Holy See) to Latvia, Georg Gänswein.
During the meeting, the State Secretary and the Apostolic Nuncio discussed topics important to Latvia in economy and security, their development from the historical and Baltic region perspective. As regards Russia s war of aggression against Ukraine, the diplomats agreed that the much-needed support to Ukraine should continue. The Secretary of State offered special thanks to the Holy See for its contribution to the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, which is also one of the priority issues for Latvia in providing assistance to Ukraine.
The State Secretary commended the relations between Latvia and the Holy See. In 2021, the centenary of bilateral relations was marked with a publication of a book titled “100 Years of Sincerity and Confidence. Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Latvia and the Holy See” in Riga.
The Apostolic Nuncio will take office after submitting letters of credence to the President of Latvia.