Latvian Ambassador awarded Great Cross of Merit by Germany

In a farewell meeting on 9 July, the Latvian Ambassador to Germany Martins Virsis called on the President of the Federal Republic of Germany Horst Kohler, who thanked the Ambassador for the advancement of Latvia-Germany bilateral relations and the consolidation of cultural links with Germany, drawing particular attention to the Ambassador's contribution in the organising of Essentia Baltica 2008, the Baltic state and Germany year of culture. In recognition of Ambassador Virsis' services in the strengthening of German and Latvian relations, the German Federal President presented Martins Virsis with the Great Cross of Merit of Germany. During his term of office, Ambassador Virsis has hosted 62 visits by officials of various rank, including 16 presidential visits.

Martins Virsis was accredited Latvian Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany on 26 September, 2002. His next appointment will be to the General Inspectorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The post of Latvian Ambassador to Germany will be taken up by the Foreign Ministry's Under-Secretary of State Ilgvars Klava, who will assume functions in August.

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