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On 8 November 2025, as part of her regional visit to Līvāni, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, met with the Chairman of the Municipal Council, Dāvids Rubens, and management of Light Guide Optics, a world leader in optical fibre manufacturing, visited the company’s plant, as well as having a meeting with the leadership and students at Līvāni Secondary School No 1.
Together with the Municipality Council Chairman Dāvids Rubens, the Foreign Minister laid flowers at the Monument to the Liberation of Līvāni, paying tribute to the memory of those killed in action to liberate the town in 1919.
Foreign Minister Baiba Braže:
“An inspiring visit to Līvāni during the month when Latvia celebrates its independence. We had a discussion with the Chairman of the Līvāni Municipality Council, Dāvids Rubens, and members of the local government about regional development, including economic cooperation and the local government’s involvement in international cooperation projects, support instruments offered to businesses by the Foreign Service, as well as the EU’s new multi-annual budget, the mobilisation of resources from EU funds, and promotion of foreign trade.
A wonderful discussion with students at Līvāni Secondary School No 1 – about public participation, social media usage habits, the security situation, and the National Defence Service, among other topics.
It was a privilege to meet Daumants Pfafrods, CEO of the world’s leading optical fibre manufacturer, Light Guide Optics, and its staff, and to visit the plant of this high-tech company. Light Guide Optics is one of Latvia’s most valuable companies, a major employer, providing over 300 jobs. Its optical fibre products are used in medical equipment and electronics. The company exports more than 99.9% of its output worldwide, with the biggest outlets being Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Singapore, and the United States. We discussed major challenges, mainly related to housing shortage, attraction of highly skilled workforce, education. Taking great pride in the Latvian company – its achievements are inspiring.”
Foreign Minister also pointed out that the Foreign Service will continue putting to good use the instruments at the its disposal to represent Latvia’s economic interests – support to businesses in increasing their visibility, entering foreign markets and attracting foreign investment and partners is a priority for the Foreign Service.
Baiba Braže also gave an interview to the Vidusdaugava Television channel.