More than 90 honorary consuls from 44 countries to meet in Riga next week

RIGA - From July 13 to 15, the Foreign Ministry will host the 12th meeting of Latvian honorary consuls, which will be attended by more than 90 Latvian honorary consuls from 44 countries, the Foreign Ministry informed LETA.

Honorary consuls represent Latvia abroad, promote its interests and provide consular assistance to Latvian nationals in emergency situations abroad. Latvia's honorary consuls do not receive remuneration for performing their duties and carry out their responsibilities on a voluntary basis.

During the meeting, updates will be provided on current issues in Latvian foreign policy, key security policy matters and opportunities for bilateral economic and cultural cooperation. The agenda of the meeting will also include current consular matters.

A Latvian business networking event will provide an opportunity to engage directly with honorary consuls from around the world, said the Foreign Ministry.

On 14 July, the participants will hear addresses from Foreign Minister Baiba Braze, Saeima Speaker Daiga Mierina, NATO Strategic Communications Center of Excellence Director Janis Sarts, Bank of Latvia representative Daina Paula, and Deputy Director of the Foreign Ministry's Consular Department Sandra Salmina-Suke.

Riga Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs, Riga Investment and Tourism Agency's Managing Director Fredis Bikovs, Economics Minister Viktors Valainis, the World Federation of Free Latvians Chairman Peteris Blumbergs, and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia Director General Ieva Jagere will address the honorary consuls at VEF Culture Center on opportunities for economic cooperation and investment.

President Edgars Rinkevics will meet with the honorary consuls at Riga Castle.

On July 15, the guests will travel to Liepaja, where they will be welcomed by Liepaja Mayor Gunars Ansins and Liepaja Special Economic Zone CEO Uldis Hmielevskis. Liepaja 2027 Foundation CEO Inta Sorina will present the latest developments and key events in Liepaja ahead of its year as European Capital of Culture in 2027.

The honorary consuls will visit Liepaja Concert Hall Great Amber and Liepaja Industrial Park and will also have the opportunity to explore the historic Karosta district.

At the end of the program, guests will visit the Nornieki farm in Snepele parish, where they will have the opportunity to sample the farm's produce.

According to the Foreign Ministry, honorary consuls represent Latvia's interests in all regions around the world - Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Latvia has more than 170 honorary consuls worldwide, representing various business sectors.