On 27 September 2022, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, met with the diplomatic corps accredited to Latvia – heads of missions and members of diplomatic staff.
One of the main topics in their conversation was related to the prospects of Latvia’s economic development in the context of the war waged by Russia in Ukraine, with a special focus on energy security and independence. The Parliamentary Secretary underlined that regardless of a number of challenges, including the global upheavals caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Latvia’s economy had been able to successfully adjust till now and keep up a steady growth.
The Parliamentary Secretary also noted that Latvia, through successfully capturing new markets and strengthening of its energy independence, had responded operatively to the economic consequences caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and to challenges this was posing to global energy security. Due to the Allied presence and decisions taken to reinforce its economy and energy security, Latvia is a safe place for investments, Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica pointed out as she called on foreign ambassadors to deepen economic cooperation.
Support for Ukraine was also discussed during the meeting. The Parliamentary Secretary noted that Latvia was one of the most active providers of assistance to Ukraine and would continue offering support, including for Ukraine’s reconstruction and its aspirations towards European integration. Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica underlined in particular the importance of cooperation of the global democratic community in providing aid to Ukraine.
Foreign ambassadors and embassy representatives welcomed measures taken by Latvia for facilitating economic stability and energy security in the region, as well as Latvia’s active role in support of Ukraine.
Background information
The meeting took place on the initiative of the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Latvia, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H. E. Hanan Khalfan Obaid Ali Al Madhani. The meeting brought together the Ambassadors of, and representatives from the Embassies of Austria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Korea, Lithuania, Moldova, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Uzbekistan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.