Latvia's Ambassador to Italy presents credentials to President of Malta [23 Nov 2006]

On 23 November 2006, the Latvian Ambassador to Italy, Astra Kurme, presented her credentials to Edward Fenech Adami, the President of Malta, thus also becoming non-resident Ambassador of Latvia to Malta.

The officials discussed co-operation between Latvia and Malta in various spheres, noting the very good business relations and Malta as a significant investor in Latvia. Close co-operation among the politicians of both countries was also emphasized as an essential factor for small countries like Latvia and Malta in the formation of a united position in the European Union.

The Ambassador and the President also discussed future EU prospects and the need for strengthening of its role in the solution of international conflicts. Both parties agreed that a constitution that would provide an institutional basis for decision-making would strengthen European unity.

Malta was also spoken of as an interesting tourism destination, which will become more easily available to Latvian residents as from the next year when Ryanair launches flights to Valletta.

On 23 November, the Ambassador is also scheduled to meet with the Prime Minister of Malta, Lawrence Gonzi; on 24 November – with acting State Secretary of the Foreign Ministry of Malta, Charles Mifsud, the Director of the Department for European Affairs, Martin Valentino, and with the Minister for Urban Development and Roads, Jesmond Mugliett.

Ms Astra Kurme has been working for the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 1993. Before her arrival in Italy on 1 August 2006, she was the Under-Secretary of State of the Foreign Ministry responsible for European Union matters. On 20 September Ms Kurme was accredited as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Latvia to Italy, and on 7 November – to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), in Rome.

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