Annual meeting of Latvian ambassadors [14 Dec 2006]

From 18 to 20 December 2006, an annual meeting for the heads of the Latvian diplomatic representations abroad will be held at the hotel Reval Hotel Latvia.

Foreign Minister Pabriks and the ambassadors will exchange opinions on current foreign policy developments and the ministry's activities scheduled for the next year.

This year's meeting will focus on Latvia's security policy after the NATO Riga Summit, Latvia's goals in the EU, policy concerning the new neighbours – Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, Georgia and Moldova, and energy issues. The ambassadors and Foreign Ministry experts will discuss other international matters and will consider the opportunities for better defence of the interests of Latvian residents abroad, the promotion of Latvia's image, and support to businessmen.

The Ambassadors are scheduled to meet with the President of Latvia, Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the Speaker of the Saeima, Indulis Emsis, and Prime Minister, Aigars Kalvitis.

Meetings will also be held with the Chairperson of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee, Andris Berzins, the Chairperson of the European Affairs Committee, Vaira Paegle, and Finance Minister Oskars Spurdzins.

At present, Latvia has 34 embassies abroad, seven permanent representations, one consulate-general and three consulates. There are 36 Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in the embassies and permanent representations, 11 of whom fulfil the duties of non-resident ambassadors in other countries.

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