Ambassador of Latvia to Kosovo presents credentials

On 7 July, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Latvia to Kosovo, Juris Poikans, submitted his credentials to President Fatmir Sejdiu of Kosovo, thus becoming first Ambassador of Latvia to Kosovo. As part of his visit, the Ambassador also met with the Foreign Minister of the country, Skender Hyseni.

During the meeting with Kosovar officials, Mr Poikans noted that Latvia was among the first countries to recognise the independence of Kosovo. The last year's visit by Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins is an evidence of Latvia's intention to engage in an active dialogue with the new state. Ambassador Poikans urged both countries to start the development of legal framework and confirmed Latvia's readiness to share its reform experience as well as to consider possibilities for the organization of mutual visits by officials. The Ambassador also encouraged the Kosovar officials to work on reforms in the field of the rule of law and on the development of law enforcement institutions.

Public officials of Kosovo, having noted that both countries share a similar destiny, expressed gratitude for Latvia's consistent support to Kosovo. President Sejdiu forwarded an invitation to the President of Latvia, Valdis Zatlers, to visit Pristina at the time convenient for him, but Foreign Minister Hyseni expressed interest in visiting Latvia as soon as possible. Kosovo might also consider a possibility to appoint a non-resident ambassador to Latvia.

At the conclusion of his visit, Mr Poikans met with the Latvian soldiers who serve in the NATO Kosovo Force (KFOR) as well as with representatives from Latvia taking part in the EU Rule of Law Mission (EULEX).

Ambassador Poikans resides in Slovenia, in Ljubljana.

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