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“A strong network of honorary consulates provides critical support to Latvia. Your assistance is crucial when our people find themselves in crisis and emergency situations in your countries of residence”, said Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, on Monday, 2 June, while welcoming Latvia’s honorary consuls currently in Latvia.

The Speaker also thanked the honorary consuls for their support in promoting political and economic ties with their countries of residence through the help provided to Latvian businesses.

Ināra Mūrniece expressed her appreciation for the honorary consuls’ active engagement in Latvian diaspora affairs and expressed her gratitude to those who have agreed to facilitate the upcoming general elections in October, inter alia, by offering consulates as polling stations.

Latvia celebrates its centenary this year. It is a time when we celebrate our rich cultural heritage. The Speaker of the Saeima thanked the honorary consuls for hosting various Latvian centenary-themed events in their countries of residence to mark this special milestone for Latvia.

The meeting with Latvia’s honorary consuls was also attended by members of the Saeima Presidium, Foreign Affairs Committee, European Affairs Committee, and chairs of the main political groups.

This is the ninth meeting of honorary consuls hosted by the Ministry or Foreign Affairs. The meeting brings together 119 Honorary Consuls from 58 countries. They represent Latvia's interests in all regions of the world – Europe, America, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Since 2002, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia has been holding meetings for honorary consuls in Riga every two years. The gatherings have already become a tradition that allows Latvia to promote economic, cultural and consular co-operation, particularly in those countries where Latvia does not have any diplomatic representation.

Saeima Press Service