Minister Pabriks: Foreign Ministry must become service-oriented in the settlement of external problems [18 Dec 2006]

On 18 December 2006, in his address to the heads of the Latvian diplomatic representations at their annual meeting in Riga, the Latvian Foreign Minister, Artis Pabriks, emphasized that the Foreign Ministry must become a service-oriented organization in the settlement of external problems. He also noted that more focus will be made in the upcoming years on the Foreign Ministry's personnel policy and the planning of its activities, taking into account that Latvia is a small country which has to make an efficient use of its limited human and knowledge resources.

Minister Pabriks noted that the Foreign Ministry has drafted a number of strategic foreign policy documents which have already taken effect, such as Latvia's foreign policy guidelines for 2006-2010, which must be brought to life in the near future with specific activities. To that end, there must be a close co-operation between the Foreign Ministry's headquarters and the embassies. As Mr Pabriks indicated, "Large foreign policy goals have already been achieved, and it is now the small, specific tasks whose successful implementation will determine Latvia's future development and success."

Mr Pabriks emphasized that Latvia must focus its attention not only on the former Soviet bloc countries, but also on the West Balkans and the Mediterranean countries, thereby advancing its knowledge and expertise.

Minister Pabriks called on the ambassadors to propose new ideas and initiatives on how to promote Latvia's image and influence abroad, and to work on the attraction of more investments to our country. "Latvia is neither a part of a global crisis nor a problematic region anymore; however, Latvian residents must feel the country's macro-achievements and also at the micro level in their daily lives, " said the Foreign Minister.

The meeting of the heads of Latvian diplomatic representations is being held from 18 to 20 December in Riga.

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, 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 also fulfil duties as non-resident ambassadors in other countries.

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