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September

Exhibition Dr Alfreds Bilmanis – Diplomat, Historian, Publicist. 1887 – 1948 on display at Latvian Academic Library

The Latvian Academic Library is hosting an exhibition, until 28 September, on Dr Alfreds Bilmanis – Diplomat, Historian, Publicist. 1887 – 1948.

Foreign Minister congratulates new Japanese Foreign Minister on his appointment

Foreign minister Artis Pabriks has congratulated the new Japanese Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura on his appointment to the office.

Latvian diplomatic representations participate in photo campaign "One Day in Latvia - Twenty Years Later"

On 31 August 2007, following an earlier call to all Latvian representations abroad, a number of Latvian diplomatic missions, including the Latvian Embassies in Finland, Ireland, Canada, Norway, Greece, the Czech Republic, and China, participated in the photo campaign One Day in Latvia - Twenty Years Later.

Latvian Ambassador to Russia receives gratitude for help to low-income families of Moscow

The Latvian Ambassador to Russia, Andris Teikmanis, has received an expression of gratitude from Zinaida Dragunkina, a member of the Council of the Russian Federation and President of the Relief Centre Blagovest, for support provided to low-income families in Moscow.

State Secretary Normans Penke discusses possible co-operation between Latvia and Colombia

On Tuesday, 4 September, Foreign Ministry State Secretary Normans Penke met with Colombian Ambassador Jorge Alberto Barrantes Ulloa, who had arrived in Latvia on his accreditation visit. The State Secretary and the Colombian Ambassador discussed bilateral and multilateral issues of importance to both Latvia and Colombia.

Exhibition of works by Gundega Rancane and Algirdas Griskevicius opened in Warsaw

The Latvian and Lithuanian Embassies in Warsaw co-organised an exhibition of the works by Latvian painter Gundega Rancane and Lithuanian artist Algirdas Griskevicius entitled That Is How We Are on 4 September at the Warsaw Lithuanian Culture Centre.

Foreign Minister to discuss EU neighbourhood policy and international security issues at Krynica Economic Forum

On 6 September 2007, as part of the 17th Economic Forum in Krynica, Poland, Latvian Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks will participate in the discussion on the theme of Together or On One's Own? National Aspirations of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, which will be led by Toms Baumanis, the Chairman of the Board of the Latvian Transatlantic Organization (LATO).

Artis Pabriks invites Latvian communities abroad to pass their democratic experience down to new generation

Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks, while addressing the members of the World Federation of Free Latvians (WFFL) at its annual board meeting on 4 September, invited the Latvian communities abroad to pass their experience of the free market and democracy down to the new generation.

New photographic art exhibition on display at Latvian Embassy in Russia

The Latvian Embassy in Moscow, Russia, is hosting an exhibition of works by the photographer artists Oskars Pastars and Mikhail Tolmachov entitled Camera in Fashion from 5 September to 5 October.

Minister Pabriks expresses appreciation of regional co-operation between Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan

On 6 September 2007, as part of the 17th Economic Forum in Krynica, Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks addressed those present at the discussion on the theme Together or On One's Own? National Aspirations of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.

Latvian Foreign Minister expresses support for Moldova reform process and intensification of co-operation with Ukraine

On 6 September, during the economic forum in Krynica in Poland, Latvian Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks met with the Moldovan Minister of Economy and Trade, Igor Dodon, and the First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Volodymyr Ogryzko.

Artis Pabriks: "Only a common defence system can withstand modern threats"

On 6 September 2007, as part of the 17th Economic Forum in Krynica, Poland, Latvian Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks in his address Anti-Missile Shield - Common Security System or Arena of Confrontation, indicated that only a common security system would be capable of withstanding modern threats, and it should not become an arena of confrontation.

Latvia participates in European Art Radio Online Festival in Portugal

The Latvian Embassy in Portugal has managed to secure the participation of the programme Loaves and Fishes (Maize un zivis), presented by Latvijas radio (Latvia's Radio), in the European Art Radio Online Festival in Portugal, to be held between September and December, coinciding with Portugal's term of Presidency of the European Union.

Latvian and Chinese foreign ministries to hold political consultations

On 7 September 2007, the Latvian and Chinese foreign ministries will hold political consultations in Riga to discuss the development of bilateral relations and the advancing of economic co-operation.

Foreign Minister to participate in Gymnich meeting

On 7-8 September 2007, Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks will make a visit to Viana do Castelo, Portugal, to participate in the informal meeting of the EU foreign ministers, also referred to as the "Gymnich" meeting.

Artis Pabriks discusses economic co-operation with Georgian State Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration

Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks met with Georgian State Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Deputy-Prime Minister, Giorgi Baramidze, within the framework of the Krynica Economic Forum on 5 September.

Latvian Ambassador presents credentials to President of Ukraine

On 6 September 2007, the Latvian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ukraine, Atis Sjanits, presented his credentials to the President of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko.

Latvian Investment Day in London

On 10 September 2007, the Latvian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Indulis Berzins, will open the 3rd annual Latvian Investment Day in London. The event is being organized in co-operation with the Parex bank.

Latvian Ambassador to Germany participates in brick architecture congress in Germany

On 6-7 September 2007, the Latvian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Germany, Martins Virsis, is presently participating in the 2nd International Congress on Brick Architecture in Wismar, Germany.

Latvian Defence Attaché receives accreditation in Azerbaijan

Latvian Ministry of Defence 1st rank Defence Attaché Colonel Andris Jekabsons and Latvian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mihails Popkovs, on 8 September, were on an accreditation visit to Azerbaijani Minister of Defence Safar Abiyev.

Ambassador to Russia promotes co-operation between Latvia and Krasnoyarsk

On 10 September, the Latvian Ambassador to Russia Andris Teikmanis will depart for the Kranoyarsk Krai with the aim to develop co-operation between Latvia and the Krasnoyarsk Krai.

Latvia and China recognise friendly atmosphere of mutual understanding present in bilateral relations

Foreign Ministry Parliamentary Secretary Eriks Zunda and State Secretary Normans Penke met with Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Quan during the Latvian and Chinese foreign ministry political consultations on 7 September.

Latvian Ambassador to Portugal accredited today

On 10 September 2007, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to Cyprus, Artis Bertulis, presented his credentials to the President of Portugal, Anibal Cavaco Silva.

Cabinet of Ministers draft regulations on visa-free travel for Latvian and Georgian diplomatic and service passport holders approved

On 11 September, the government approved the Cabinet of Ministers draft Regulations on Government of Republic of Latvia and Government of Georgia Agreement on Removal of Visa Requirement for Diplomatic and Service Passport Holders.

Latvian delegation in Russia meets Latvians living in Krasnoyarsk Krai

As part of their visit to the Krasnoyarsk Krai, Minister of Justice Gaidis Berzins and Andris Teikmanis, the Latvian Ambassador to Russia, met with the Latvians who live in the village of Nizhny Bulan of the Karatuz District.

Artis Pabriks: "New generation of European politicians must think about EU's global competitiveness"

On 12 September, Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks met with Danish students from Aarhus College of Education and, in discussing current events of the EU, noted that the new generation of European politicians must consider the global competitiveness of the organisation more seriously.

Latvian businessmen briefed about Riga Days in St Petersburg

On 12 September 2007, Consul General Iveta Sers opened a scheduled meeting of the Business Club at the Consulate General of Latvia in St. Petersburg.

Latvia's debut at animation film festival in Switzerland

Between 11 and 16 September, Latvia will present 20 films and make its debut at the Fantoche animation film festival in Baden, Switzerland.

Foreign Minister to take part in meeting of Georgia's New Group of Friends in Vilnius

On 13 – 14 September in Vilnius, Lithuania, Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks will take part in the meeting of Georgia's New Group of Friends, to discuss with its participants, political experts and representatives from the non-governmental organisations the current issues most topical for Georgia and related to its integration in the Euro-Atlantic organisations.

Latvia and Luxembourg sign agreement on exchange and mutual protection of classified information

On 13 September, Latvian Ambassador to Luxembourg Raimonds Jansons and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg, Jean Asselborn, signed an agreement between Latvia and Luxembourg on the exchange and mutual protection of classified information.

Artis Pabriks to meet with Japanese businessmen from leading companies

On 17 September 2007, Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks will meet with members of the Japanese economic mission FEC (International Friendship Exchange Council) - entrepreneurs from leading Japanese companies, in order to discuss co-operation opportunities with Latvia.

Latvian Consul-General in St. Petersburg opens new term at Latvian Sunday school

On 15 September, Latvian Consul-General Iveta Sers will open the new term at the St. Petersburg Latvian Sunday school together with its Director Aleksandra Statute.

Artis Pabriks to meet with cinema legend Catherine Deneuve

On 14 September, during the reception to be held by the French Ambassador to Latvia, Andre-Jean Libourel, Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks will greet the French cinema legend Catherine Deneuve on her arrival in Riga.

Latvian delegation discusses economic co-operation opportunities and visits memorials to politically repressed Latvians

As part of their visit to Krasnoyarsk on 14 September, Minister of Justice Gaidis Berzins and Andris Teikmanis, the Latvian Ambassador to Russia met with local administration and laid flowers at the memorial stone put up on the bank of the Yenisei river in remembrance of Latvians – victims of political repressions.

Artis Pabriks invites Japanese businessmen to use Latvia as a hub for flow of goods and capital between East and West

On 17 September 2007, Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks met with the members of the Japanese economic mission FEC (International Friendship Exchange Council) -entrepreneurs from leading Japanese companies and urged Japanese businesses to take advantage of Latvia as a hub for the flow of goods and capital between East and West.

Latvia supports archaeological festival in Poland Balts - the Northern Neighbours of Slavs

On 15 September, in Biskupin archaeological reserve (Kuyavia-Pomerania voivodeship, Poland), an open-air festival organised annually by the Biskupin Archaeological Museum was opened. The event will continue until 23 September; the theme selected this year is Balts - the Northern Neighbours of Slavs. The festival is supported by both the Latvian and Lithuanian Embassies in Warsaw.

Artis Pabriks invites UK Foreign Secretary to visit Latvia

On 17 September, Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks met with Richard Moon, the Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Latvia, who was on his introductory visit and invited UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband to visit the conference being organised by the Foreign Ministry on The Baltic States and the European Neighbourhood Policy, which will take place on 23 November in Riga.

Mezciems Primary School pupils visit Beijing

On 19 September 2007, pupils from grade 7a of the Mezciems Primary School will arrive in China and represent Latvia in the Beijing Olympic Games educational programme Heart-to-Heart.

European Court of Human Rights to hear the matter of Kononovs v. Latvia

The European Court of Human Rights will hold a hearing in the case of Kononovs v. Latvia on Thursday, 20 September.

Latvian Embassy in Sweden holds meeting between State President and Latvians resident in Sweden

On 19 September, the Latvian Embassy in Sweden is organising a meeting between Latvian President Valdis Zatlers and Latvians resident in Sweden. The proposed meeting and reception will take place as part of the working visit to Sweden by the President.

Russian Parliament ratifies Latvian-Russian border treaty

The Latvian Foreign Ministry is gratified by the 19 September decision of the Russian Parliament Federation Council to ratify the treaty between the Republic of Latvia and the Russian Federation on the border between Latvia and Russia.

Ambassador Andris Teikmanis meets with Latvian students in Moscow

On 18 September 2007, the Latvian Ambassador to the Russian Federation hosted a meeting with Latvian students studying at universities in Moscow.

Foreign Minister to attend UN General Assembly 62nd Session

Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks will be in New York between 23-28 September to take part in the UN General Assembly 62nd Session.

Latvian Culture Days take place in China

Yesterday, 19 September, the official opening of the photo project ZZZ exhibition as part of the Pingyao International Photography Festival heralded the Latvian Culture Days event in China.

Latvian animation films take part in the Third EU Film Festival

From 21 September to 6 October, the Third EU Film Festival will take place in Kaliningrad. The festival is organised by the European Commission Representation in Russia, embassies of the EU Member States, consulates and culture centres in co-operation with the Zaria Cinema.

Ambassador to Japan meets Nissan representatives

Upon the initiative of the Latvian Embassy in Japan on 19 September, Ambassador Peteris Vaivars and Second Secretary Egils Dzelme met with the representatives of the Japanese Nissan automobile manufacturer - Hidetoshi Imazu, Board Member and Vice President (responsible for projects in Europe and St. Petersburg), and Andy Palmer, Corporate Vice-President.

Artis Pabriks: "Latvia can serve as a societal integration example for other countries"

On 20 September 2007, Foreign minister Artis Pabriks met with René van der Linden, President of the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly. During the meeting, Minister Pabriks emphasized that Latvia could serve as an example of societal integration for other countries, as over the last 20 years it has turned from a country with a split community into a united and secure state.

Band Auli visits China

On 20 September, the Latvian bagpipe and drum band Auli arrived in Beijing to participate in events at the Latvian Culture Days in China being organised by the Latvian Embassy in the People's Republic of China.

Maija Manika to participate in EU Informal Meeting of Ministers for Development

In Portugal, on 20 and 21 September, the Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary of State Maija Manika will participate in the EU Informal Meeting of Ministers for Development. Informal ministerial meetings are organised by the member-state presiding the EU.

Consulate General in St. Petersburg hosts seminar on tourism opportunities in Latvia

On 20 September 2007, the Consulate General in St. Petersburg, with support from the Riga Tourism co-ordination and Information Centre is hosting a seminar and a contacts 'exchange' on Tourism opportunities in Riga.

UN Special Rapporteur arrives in Latvia

Between 20-24 September, Doudou Diène, United Nations Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance will make a working visit to Latvia upon the invitation of the Latvian government.

Foreign Ministry and Wilton Park conference will include discussions on energy security in East and Baltic region

The international conference on Energy Security in the European Union: the Eastern and Baltic Dimension organised by the Foreign Ministry and Wilton Park will take place from 24 to 27 September in Jurmala at the Baltic Beach Hotel. The conference agenda includes discussions on energy security issues in the East and Baltic region.

Latvian Ambassador to Russia attends 6th International Investment Forum

From 20 to 23 September 2007, Andris Teikmanis, Ambasasador of Latvia to the Russian Federation will attend the 6th International Investment Forum Sochi - 2007 in Sochi, Russia.

Artis Pabriks greets Latvians and Lithuanians on Baltic Unity Day

Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks sent greetings to Latvians and Lithuanians on Baltic Unity Day - 22 September, with an expressed wish for them not to forget the uniqueness and traditions of their people and peculiarities of their language within the realms of the global environment.

Embassy in Russia to familiarize businessmen with leisure possibilities in Latvia

On Monday, 24 September, the Latvian Embassy in Russia will host a workshop entitled Tourism Day in Moscow which aims to familiarise representatives of the Russian tourism industry with winter and autumn leisure possibilities in Latvia, as well as the latest news in the sector.

U.S. voices support to ratification of Latvia- Russia Border Treaty

On 24 September in New York, Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks met with U.S. State Department Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried, who expressed his support to the ratification of the Latvia - Russia Border Treaty.

The first Latvian Ambassador to India to be accredited

On 26 September 2007, the accreditation ceremony of Hardijs Baumanis, the first Latvian Ambassador to India, will take place with the President Pratibha Devisingh Patil of India.

Artis Pabriks wishes Latvians in New York faith in Latvia's development

On 23 September, Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks visited the Latvian Lutheran Church in New York and, during a meeting with Latvians resident in this city, expressed his wish for them to keep faith in the development of Latvia.

Exhibition of Latvia's decorations and awards on display in Siegburg

On 24 August 2007, an exhibition of Latvian decorations and awards will be opened at the Siegburg City Museum. Daiga Krieva, head of the Latvian Consulate in Bonn will deliver an introductory address.

Latvian Academy of Music students acquire experience in Norway

On Tuesday, 25 September, the student and teacher exchange project of the Jazeps Vitols Latvian Academy of Music (JVLMA) commences in Oslo. The project is financially supported by the Latvian Foreign Ministry as part of its public diplomacy activities in 2007.

Gallery ALMA from Latvia represented at international art fair in Berlin

From 30 September to 3 October the BERLINER LISTE international fair for contemporary art is to take place in Berlin, with participation of the ALMA Gallery from Latvia.

Artis Pabriks discusses EU integration with Foreign Ministers of Turkey, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina

On 25 September, parallel to the 62nd session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks held meetings with Ali Babacan, the Turkish Foreign Minister, Sven Alkalaj, Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Milan Rocen, Foreign Minister of Montenegro and discussed the process towards EU accession of these countries.

Latvian Ambassador presents letter of credence to Indian President

On 26 September in New Delhi, Hardijs Baumanis, the Latvian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, presented his letter of accreditation to President Pratibha Devisingh Patil of India, thus becoming the first Latvian non-resident Ambassador to India.

Ambassador Janis Karklins presents letter of credence to UNESCO Director-General

On 27 September in Paris, the accreditation ceremony took place for Latvian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Janis Karklins, who is Latvia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Ambassador Janis Karklins confirms Latvia's interest in OECD membership to the organisation's Secretary - General

During his introductory visit to Paris on 27 September, Janis Karklins, the Latvian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to France met with Angel Gurría, Secretary-general of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Pianist Arturs Cingujevs to give concert in Netherlands

The Latvian Embassy in the Netherlands, in co-operation with the Municipality of The Hague and the companies Deloitte and Daesch is organising a concert on Sunday 30 September by the Latvian pianist Arturs Cingujevs.

Latvian Ambassador Igors Apokins presents his letter of credence to Speaker of Turkmen Parliament

Igors Apokins, the Latvian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, presented his credentials to Akja Nurberdieva, Speaker of the Parliament (Mejlis) of Turkmenistan.

Artis Pabriks urges Jewish organisations in U.S. to back introduction of visa-free travel for Latvia

On 26 September in New York, Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks, during a meeting with representatives of Jewish organisations, urged them to support the introduction of the Visa Waiver Programme regarding Latvian citizens travelling to the U.S.

Latvian language and culture presented in Prague during European Day of Languages

As part of the European Day of Languages on 26 September 2007, the Latvian Culture Centre in Prague presented information about Latvian language and culture to the event participants.

Foreign Minister invites Baltic and Benelux counterparts to discuss co-operation between EU small and medium-sized states

On 2-3 October 2007, at the initiative of Latvian Foreign Minister Dr Artis Pabriks, the meeting of foreign ministers of the Baltic and Benelux states (3+3) will take place at Jurmala, for the purpose of discussing the co-operation and role of small and medium states of the European Union (EU).

Foreign Ministry State Secretary addresses U.S. Embassy representatives on visa-free regime with the United States

On 28 September 2007, a meeting took place between Foreign Ministry State Secretary Normans Penke and representatives of the U.S. Embassy: Deputy Ambassador Stuart Seldowitz, and Embassy Consul Stephen Frahm, to discuss the situation regarding Latvia's joining of the U.S. Visa Waiver Programme.

Sandra Kalniete and Museum of Occupation to receive the annual award of Western European Ethics and Culture Foundation in Switzerland

On 29 September, in the Zurich Tonhalle concert hall, Sandra Kalniete and the founders of the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia will receive the award from the Western European Ethics and Culture Foundation (Stiftung für Abendländishe Ethik und Kultur) for their contribution to raising awareness of Latvia's history and for the promotion of the image of the country.

Latvian Ambassador Aivars Groza officially hands gift of Rainis' books to Zurich Central Library

On 28 September, continuing the series of events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the arrival of Rainis and Aspazija in Switzerland, Latvian Ambassador to Switzerland Aivars Groza officially presented to the Director of the Zurich Central Library, Hermann Kostler, a gift from the National Library of Latvia – 26 volumes of complete works by Rainis, monographs on Latvian history, a CD with a collection of maps and posters of Latvia, as well as music composed for Rainis' plays.

Latvia establishes diplomatic relations with Dominica

On 27 September 2007, in New York, the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Artis Pabriks, and Charles Savarin, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Dominica, signed a joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Latvia and the Commonwealth of Dominica.

Latvia is interested in a united and developed EU energy market

The Latvian Foreign Ministry and the British international conference centre Wilton Park held the conference at Jurmala on Energy Security in the European Union: The Eastern and Baltic Dimension from 24 to 27 September.

Latvia's support for Latvians abroad to be discussed in Norway

The annual general meeting of the European Latvian Association (ELA) Presidium will be held tomorrow, 29 September, at the Latvian Embassy in Norway.

Edgars Skuja and Mexican counterpart emphasise significance of co-operation in education, culture, and sport

The Latvian Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary of State, Edgars Skuja, met with Mexican Under-Secretary of State, Lourdes Aranda, in New York on 27 September this year, to discuss bilateral co-operation between Latvia and Mexico, and to present an official letter of invitation from Latvian President Valdis Zatlers inviting Mexican President Felipe Calderon to visit Latvia next year.

Latvian National Museum of Art to receive gift from Germany

On Friday, Latvian Ambassador to Germany Dr Martins Virsis received a gift from John Skudra, a Hamburg-based Latvian to the Latvian National Museum of Art – a work by Vilhelms Purvitis entitled Birches in Spring, which further will be on display in exhibitions in Latvia organised by the museum.