* Belgian Latvian News, May and November 2021
This year we celebrate the centennial of diplomatic relations between Latvia and Belgium. The history of bilateral relations between Latvia and Belgium has been little studied - yet it is very interesting. Therefore, the Embassy of Latvia in Belgium has begun compiling facts and testimonies from the history of Latvian-Belgian relations, with the aim of concluding the centennial anniversary year with a brief overview of the dynamics of Latvian-Belgian bilateral relations both before the Second World War and in more recent times. In this and the next issue, we will present readers with interesting and perhaps lesser-known facts from the history of Latvia-Belgium bilateral relations. The Embassy of Latvia in Belgium wishes to express its deep gratitude to all former Latvian ambassadors to Belgium - Juris Kanels, Imants Lieģis, Aivars Groza, Raimonds Jansons, and Lelde Līce-Līcīte, whose memories of their work in Belgium vividly describe the dynamics of Latvian-Belgian bilateral relations over the past 30 years.
The foundation of bilateral diplomatic relations lies in shaping a country’s image and promoting understanding of the state’s policies in the host country. Relations between states are created by specific people. Over 100 years, Latvia’s image in Belgium has been shaped not only by ambassadors but also by politicians, cultural figures, and active entrepreneurs. Sometimes personal contacts and cooperation have developed into particularly close relationships. The history of Latvian-Belgian bilateral relations illustrates this perfectly, as alongside the often largely unseen work of diplomats, there are individuals who have lived, studied, worked, or frequently visited Belgium - thus promoting Latvia abroad and bringing Belgian ideas and trends back to Latvia.
A double anniversary of recognition
Belgium was among the first five countries - alongside the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Japan - to recognize Latvia’s independence de iure on 26 January 1921. After Latvia’s occupation in 1940, Belgium was among the countries that did not recognize Latvia’s incorporation into the Soviet Union.
This year we also commemorate another significant anniversary. On 21 August 1991, a constitutional law was adopted, which de facto restored the status of the Republic of Latvia as a sovereign state. This was followed by the second international recognition of Latvia. On 5 September 1991, when Belgium recognized Latvia’s independence, diplomatic relations between the two countries were restored.
Latvia’s ambassadors, embassies, and consulates in Belgium before the Second World War
A photograph of the Latvian delegation on 26 January 1921 - the day of Latvia’s de iure recognition - is particularly significant for the Latvian diplomatic representation in Belgium, as seated on either side of Latvian Foreign Minister Zigfrīds Anna Meierovics are both Latvian ambassadors to Belgium before the war. In 1924 a Latvian Consulate General was opened in Brussels, which in 1927, under the leadership of Envoy Jānis Lazdiņš, was transformed into the Latvian Legation. Jānis Lazdiņš served as envoy to Belgium until 1937, while Dr. Miķelis Valters was Latvia’s envoy to Belgium from 1937 to 1940. In 1933, Latvia had not only an embassy in Brussels but also consulates in Antwerp, Ghent, and Liège.
Rainis and Belgium
At the beginning of the 20th century, a number of Latvia’s future statesmen and cultural figures studied in Belgium, forming contacts and close friendships there. A lifelong friendship developed between the Latvian and Belgian social democrats Rainis and Camille Huysmans (1871–1968).
Camille Huysmans served as Belgium’s Minister of Arts and Education in 1925-1927 and 1947-1949, and as Prime Minister of Belgium in 1946-1947. Rainis mentioned Belgium in his letters as “dear Belgium, which to us, a small, distant, and isolated nation, seems like the highest outpost of a new culture, and is my second spiritual homeland.” In turn, C. Huysmans dedicated deeply heartfelt parting words to Rainis after his passing, describing the play Jāzeps un viņa brāļi (Joseph and His Brothers) as one of the most accomplished dramaturgical concepts in Europe. On 13 January 1926, Rainis was awarded the Belgian state decoration - the Order of Leopold, Knight’s Cross - for which he was very pleased and grateful.
The King of Belgium
One of the most important moments in bilateral relations between states is the visit of their highest-ranking officials, which attracts broad media attention and gives new, practical momentum to strengthening bilateral ties. Organizing a monarch’s visit to Latvia requires careful diplomatic work spanning several years. According to tradition, the King of Belgium undertakes a state visit to a specific country only once during his reign. So far, the only visit of a Belgian monarch to Latvia took place on 23-25 April 2007, when Belgium’s King Albert II and Queen Paula visited Latvia.
Imants Lieģis, Latvian Ambassador to Belgium 1997–2000
“It is easy for me to remember the day of accreditation - 18 June 1998 - because I was able to congratulate King Albert on his name day and say that, according to Latvian tradition, one may arrive at a friend’s name day celebration without an invitation. This amused him.”
Raimonds Jansons, Latvian Ambassador to Belgium 2006–2011
“One could say that during the King’s visit, Belgium and Latvia rediscovered each other anew, since no visits by the Belgian head of state to Latvia had taken place before. The visit was eventful because Belgium had just celebrated its 175th anniversary. The King and Queen also visited Liepāja and toured the Naval Training Centre. Moreover, all of this happened at a time when Belgium, within NATO, had taken over the Baltic air space policing mission.”
Latvians in Belgium
Although Belgium has never been - neither in the past nor today - among the countries with the largest Latvian diaspora, the Latvians in Belgium have always been a very active and noticeable part of the diaspora. They continued their activities after the Second World War and provided great support to the first ambassadors of restored Latvia in Belgium.
Juris Kanels, Latvian Ambassador to Belgium 1993–1997
“My arrival in Brussels took place just under three months before the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Latvia, and therefore one of my first tasks was to organize the celebration of our state’s birthday. And this event helped very quickly establish connections with the Latvian community in Belgium because we decided to organize the festive reception together. (…) By organizing a joint event, I, as Latvia’s ambassador, wished to show respect to our compatriots who, despite long years in exile, had selflessly preserved and nurtured the Latvian spirit and identity. And I am very grateful that the Latvians in Belgium accepted me, supported me, and throughout my tenure as ambassador were ready to cooperate and help.
I would like to mention just four of the leaders and most active members of the Latvian community in the 1990s, although of course many others would also deserve recognition. First, the long-time chairman of the Belgian Latvian National Committee and also of the Benelux branch of the ‘Daugavas Vanagi’ organization, Jānis Jerumanis, must be noted. A Doctor of Science and by profession a chemical engineer and agricultural industry engineer, Mr. Jerumanis had been actively involved in and leading Latvian community life since 1945 - first in Denmark and later in Belgium. For his outstanding research work he was awarded the Belgian Order of the Crown, and for his long-standing and tireless work in organizing the Latvian community’s social life in Belgium, the President of Latvia, Guntis Ulmanis, presented him with the Order of the Three Stars (III class) on 25 March 1996 and appointed him Commander of the Order.
No Latvian community event in the 1990s could take place without the active public figure and long-time head of the Baltic Information Centre in Brussels, translator Anna Dundure-Paklone. I know that later she continued to divide her tireless energy between Belgium and Latvia, even becoming an Honorary Citizen of Kārsava Municipality. I also cannot fail to mention the monsignor, Knight of the Order of ‘Leopold II’ and Knight of the Order of the Three Stars with Gold Honor Badge, the dean Pēteris Dupats, and medical doctor Egils Gulbis, the founder and owner of the well-known ‘E. Gulbja Laboratorija’ in Latvia.”
Aivars Groza, Latvian Ambassador to Belgium 2000–2005
“I remember with the warmest feelings the contacts, friendships, and time spent together with Latvians in Belgium - myself and my family alike. Jānis Jerumanis, Mišelīna Lazdiņa-Collin, dean Pēteris Dupats, and many others, thanks to whom Belgium was constantly reminded of the injustice done to Latvia after the Second World War. Thanks to their help, after regaining independence we were able to quickly restore our presence in the Belgian and European capital. When I left Brussels in 2005 to take up my next diplomatic posting in Vienna, historical changes in the Latvian diaspora were beginning - new Latvians were arriving in Brussels to start work in international institutions. It is a genuine pleasure that, as a result of these major historical developments, Brussels has become one of the most broadly represented Latvian diaspora cities, and that the traditions begun by the exiled Latvians continue.”
Latvian diplomats in Paris after de iure recognition in January 1921.
First row from the left: diplomatic representative in Rome Miķelis Valters, Foreign Minister Zigfrīds Anna Meierovics, Head of the Foreign Minister’s Cabinet Jānis Lazdiņš.
Second row from the left: Government delegate in Paris Olģerds Grosvalds, diplomatic representative in London Georgs Bisenieks, aide-de-camp to the Foreign Minister Jānis Tepfers.
Paris, [27–30] January 1921. Photo by an unknown author
Latvian National Archives - Latvian State Archive of Audiovisual Documents
Latvians in post-war Belgium
Neither in the past nor today has Belgium been home to the largest Latvian diaspora in numerical terms. However, the Latvians in Belgium have always been a very active and visible community, one that continued its activities after the Second World War and provided significant support to the first ambassadors of restored Latvia in Belgium.
After the Second World War, the Cartography Institute of Pēteris Mantinieks operated in Belgium - a company established by Pēteris Mantinieks (11.10.1895–15.03.1979), one of the pioneers of cartography in pre-war Latvia. Based on the experience gained in Latvia, the company was successfully re-established in Belgium. The maps and atlases produced by the company were used in Belgian schools in the 1950s. After the war, the company also printed books by Latvian authors.
One of the founders and chairmen of the Belgian Latvian National Committee, sworn lawyer Kārlis Gulbis (12.12.1904–20.07.1973), from 3 August 1951 fulfilled the functions of the representative of K. Zariņš, head of the Latvian diplomatic service, in Belgium and Luxembourg. After the death of K. Zariņš on 5 May 1963, K. Gulbis addressed letters to Teodots Ozoliņš, Chargé d’Affaires in London, and to the newly elected head of the diplomatic service Arnolds Spekke, in which he provided a legal justification that Kārlis Zariņš’ authorization regarding his appointment remained valid even after Zariņš’s death. However, at the end of 1964 Kārlis Gulbis ended his activities.
Latvia’s honorary consuls in Belgium
An invaluable contribution to the development and expansion of Latvian–Belgian relations, as well as support in the embassy’s everyday work, is provided by Latvia’s appointed honorary consuls. Since the restoration of Latvia’s independence, four honorary consuls have been appointed in Belgium.
Niels Dahlmann was the first appointed Latvian honorary consul in Belgium, and he served from 1991 until his passing in 2014. For his contribution to the Latvian state, he was awarded the Order of the Three Stars in 2001.
Walter Van Mechelen served as honorary consul from 1992 until 2015. In 2016, his son Christoph Van Mechelen took over the position of Latvia’s honorary consul in Flanders.
Walter Van Mechelen:
“My relationship with Latvia began when regular maritime traffic was established between Antwerp and Riga/Ventspils. In 1992, I was entrusted with representing the interests of Latvia’s maritime sector in Belgium. At first, only my colleague Niels Dahlmann and I participated in bilateral talks with Belgian partners, as the embassy had not yet been opened. What an experience! With great honor, I remember the visits of Presidents G. Ulmanis and V. Vīķe-Freiberga to Belgium. There have also been very interesting trade missions to Riga together with the Flemish government and the Chamber of Commerce. With the help of the organization ‘Flanders-Balticum,’ we assisted both Belgian and Latvian companies.”
Daniel Ferdinand Vanhoff served as Latvia’s honorary consul in Wallonia from 2001 to 2019:
“The first Latvian ambassador I met in Liège was His Excellency Imants Lieģis. He nominated me for the post of honorary consul, in which I served for almost 20 years. I will never forget my first trip to the capital, Riga, and getting to know the small, charming Baltic country that had chosen me as its honorary consul. I have fond memories of the visit of a delegation from the town of Dirbī (Durbuy) to Kuldīga. In 2006, I nominated President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga for an honorary doctorate at the University of Liège in ‘The role of women in economic, social and cultural life’ for her outstanding contribution as a public figure. The President received the honorary doctorate during her visit to Belgium.”
Opening of the Honorary Consulate of Latvia in Flanders in May 2017. From left: Egita Lase, Plenipotentiary Clerk of the Latvian Embassy in Belgium, Christoph van Mechelen, Honorary Consul in Flanders, Daniel Vanhof, Honorary Consul in Wallonia, Ilze Ruse, Non-Resident Ambassador of Latvia to Belgium, and former Honorary Consul in Flanders, Walter Van Mechelen.
F-16 fighters and minehunters
Belgium was the first country within NATO to provide Baltic Air Policing with F-16 fighter aircrafts in 2004. Altogether, Belgium has carried out airspace policing missions in the Baltic region (from bases in Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland) ten times, and the next mission will begin in December 2021.
Just as significant is the cooperation between the Latvian and Belgian Naval Forces. Latvian naval officers receive training in Ostend at the EGUERMIN School (“The Belgian-Netherlands Naval Minewarfare School”), and in recent years Latvian officers have themselves contributed to the implementation of the school’s courses. Meanwhile, Latvian and Belgian minehunters participate within the framework of the Baltic States Naval Squadron (BALTRON), taking part in training both in Zeebrugge, Belgium, and in Liepāja, Latvia.
President of Latvia E. Levits inspects an F-16 fighter jet during a visit to the Belgian Air Force Base Kleine Brogel on June 14, 2021.
Photo: Ilmārs Znotiņš, Chancery of the President of Latvia
Latvia’s diplomatic representations in Belgium after the restoration of Latvian independence
The Latvian Embassy in Belgium was opened in 1994. As the process of accession to the European Union (EU) and NATO began, it became necessary to ensure a permanent presence of Latvian diplomats in these institutions. Initially, the bilateral ambassador to Belgium performed the representative functions to the EU and NATO, while also serving as non-resident ambassador to the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
In April 1997, a separate Mission of the Republic of Latvia to the EU was established, which, upon Latvia’s accession to the European Union on 1 May 2004, obtained the status of Permanent Representation to the EU. On 25 January 2008, the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Latvia to the EU began work in its new building in central Brussels, in the so-called European Quarter. Meanwhile, the Permanent Representation of Latvia to NATO moved to new premises at the beginning of 2018, when NATO’s new headquarters in Brussels was opened.
It is no secret that within the three Latvian diplomatic representations in Brussels - the Embassy of Latvia, the Permanent Representation to the European Union, and the Permanent Representation to NATO - there is the numerically largest body of Latvian diplomats stationed abroad. For example, during Latvia’s Presidency of the EU Council, 126 diplomats and sectoral ministry attachés worked permanently at the Latvian Permanent Representation to the EU. In 2021, 58 diplomats and specialised attachés work at Latvia’s Permanent Representation to the EU.
Latvia’s rapid integration process into the EU and NATO, and the concentration of resources on participation in these institutions, somewhat overshadowed the importance of maintaining bilateral relations between Latvia and Belgium. In the summer of 2015, the Belgian Embassy in Latvia was closed. Likewise, until 2016, Latvia did not appoint an ambassador to Belgium, entrusting the basic functions of the embassy to a chargé d’affaires. In 2016, Ilze Rūse, upon being appointed ambassador to the Netherlands, received authorization to serve as non-resident ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg. At the end of 2019, the first permanently resident Latvian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Belgium, Andris Razāns, was appointed.