Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins invites students to make well-informed decisions on employment opportunities abroad [02 Mar 2010]

On 26 February, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with pupils of grades 10 to 12 from the Plavinas District Gymnasium. The visit took place at the invitation of the school and in response to the pupils' interest in the everyday work of the Foreign Ministry and the Minister, in current developments in Latvia's foreign policy, and international processes.

During the meeting, Minister Riekstins noted that this year we mark two decades since the restoration of independence of the Republic of Latvia on 4 May 1991. This year also sees the twentieth anniversary of Latvia's foreign service, as the first foreign minister of the renewed Latvia took up his appointment on 22 May 1991. Maris Riekstins also expressed satisfaction at the progress made by the foreign service during that period, and at the opportunity he had to make a continued personal contribution to the establishment and development of the diplomatic service. The Minister told the pupils about the Foreign Ministry functions, the representation of Latvia abroad and the work of embassies and honorary consuls.

The Foreign Minister also spoke about the Ministry priorities for 2010 in addition to the political dialogue both at the bilateral level and within international organizations, and highlighted the diplomats' efforts in export promotion and attracting investment, including the co-operation between embassies and entrepreneurs. 

Next, Minister Riekstins noted that for those residents of Latvia who travel or look for jobs in foreign countries, the most visible and important function of the Foreign Ministry are the consular services, and protecting the interests of Latvian nationals abroad. "Latvia's EU membership has brought us freedom of movement, both for travel, and studies or employment within the Schengen Area. Everybody, however, should be aware that broader opportunities also mean obligations to act in a responsible manner, and to be aware of the risks one's actions may entail," the Foreign Minister told the young people.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Minister Riekstins invited students taking interest in international politics to participate in the competition organized by the Foreign Ministry and the LATO, NATO Summit Simulation Game 2010, and in an interactive way to test their knowledge in security policy issues.

(The competition rules in Latvian: http://www.am.gov.lv/data/file/Jaunumi/nolikums%20nato%20simulacija%202010.pdf)

With lively interest, the pupils from the Plavinas District Gymnasium put questions to Foreign Minister Riekstins about the Latvian-U.S. relations and Latvia's foreign policy in relations with neighbouring countries. The young people were also interested in Latvia's image abroad and the recognition at the international level of the Latvian education qualifications.

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