Latvia's honorary consuls from 37 countries to visit Riga next week

RIGA - The Foreign Ministry will organize the 10th meeting of honorary consuls of Latvia July 11 through July 13, as the ministry informed LETA.

At the meeting, honorary consuls will be informed about Latvia's current affairs, foreign policy, security policy, financial sector, the possibilities of bilateral economic and cultural cooperation, and others. According to the Foreign Ministry, more than 70 Latvia's honorary consuls from 37 countries will participate in the meeting.

On July 11, participants in the meeting will be addressed by Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics (New Unity), Saeima Speaker Inara Murniece (National Alliance), Defense Minister Atis Pabriks (Development/For) and NATO Strategic Communications Center of Excellence Director Janis Sarts. The honorary consuls will also meet with representatives of the Financial Intelligence Unit and the Bank of Latvia, and attend a reception hosted by President Egils Levits and First Lady Andra Levite at the Riga Castle.

On July 12, the honorary consuls will meet with representatives of the Economics Ministry, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, Riga Investment and Tourism Agency, and the Central Election Commission.

The honorary consuls will also Mezaparks Great Bandstand and meet with Riga Deputy Mayor Edvardas Smiltens (Latvian Association of Regions), and visit the Latvian Museum of Art.

On July 13, the honorary consuls, together with Transport Minister Talis Linkaits (Conservatives) and Pasazieru Vilciens (Passenger Trains) CEO Janis Grigulis, will travel to Tukums by train, visit Slokenbeka Castle and Skonto Plan company, as well as visit Sabile and Kalnmuiza Manor.

According to the Foreign Ministry, meetings of Latvia's honorary consuls take place once every two years and have been organized since 2002.

Latvia's honorary consuls represent the country's interests in all continents of the world - Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and Australia. Latvia has more than 170 honorary consuls in various countries of the world.