Top ambassadors back newspaper at special dinner

The Baltic Times, the only English language newspaper covering the Baltic States, remains committed to strong and independent journalism, its chairman says.

Some of Latvia's top ambassadors and officials attended a formal dinner at the Grand Palace Hotel in Riga on Jan. 14, hosted by the newspaper.

Guests included U.K. ambassador to Latvia, Sarah Cowley and Chinese ambassador for Latvia, Yang Guoqiang.

Speaking to the guests, Gene Zolotarev, chairman of the Baltic Times said: "An independent newspaper, committed to principles of professional news coverage, is a foundation of any democratic society. The Baltic Times is fortunate to benefit from journalists who are passionate about what they do.

"We're interested in getting more young people excited about a career in journalism and caring about the Baltic countries - where they live and work."

The newspaper, founded in 1992, recently launched a competition for aspiring journalists. Youngsters have been challenged to write an opinion piece on a current political theme. The best article wins a prize and a internship with the newspaper in its Riga office.

Later, Ms Cowley, UK ambassador to Latvia, talked about the importance of having an English language newspaper for the Baltics.

"It's important to have an English language newspaper covering the Baltics, specially for me as UK ambassador" she said.

"I can only see the the newspaper becoming more important in the future."

Other guests included: 

H.E. Mr. Frank Arnauts - Ambassador of Belgium to Latvia

H.E. Mr John Morrison- Ambassador of Canada to Latvia

H.E. Mr. Pavol Šepelák- Ambassador of Czech Republic to Latvia

H.E. Mrs. Pirkko Mirjami Hamalainen- Ambassador of Finland to Latvia

Ms Ksenia Kobiakov- Deputy of the Ambassador of Israel to Latvia

H.E. Mr. Aidan Kirwan- Ambassador of Ireland to Latvia

H.E. Mr. Ričardas Degutis - Ambassador of Lithuania to Latvia

H.E. Mr. Jan Grevstad- Ambassador of Norway to Latvia

H.E. Mr. Peter Hatiar- Ambassador of Slovakia to Latvia

H.E. Ms. Sarah Cowley- Ambassador of the U.K to Latvia

H.E. Mr. Yang Guoqiang- Ambassador of China to Latvia

H.E. Mr. Gary K.Y. Ko- Ambassador of Taiwan to Latvia

Tom Erdal- Chairman of the Norwegian Chamber of Commerce

Thomas Hellström- Chairman of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce

Valters Kronbergs- Chairman of the Canada, Latvia business association

Ebbing K. Osinga- Chairman of the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce
 

(view photos of the event here)