Ambassador Ivita Burmistre presents letters of credence to Queen Elizabeth II

On 27 April 2021, at Buckingham Palace in London, H.E. Ivita Burmistre, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was welcomed to an audience with Her Majesty the Queen. During the ceremony via video link the Ambassador of Latvia presented her Letters of Credence and conveyed well wishes from the President of Latvia Egils Levits to Her Majesty, who is currently at Windsor Castle. The Ambassador began her tenure in office on 15 July 2020.

In a conversation with Her Majesty, Ambassador Burmistre noted that this is a special year as we celebrate a centenary of diplomatic relations and also one hundred years since the international recognition de iure of Latvia. The Ambassador stressed the close and good relations between the two countries over time and expressed appreciation for the Royal Navy taking part during the battles of the Independence War of Latvia in 1919 and for helping to guard the Provisional Government of Latvia.

“Latvia and the United Kingdom are like-minded countries, close NATO partners and allies, united by common values and commitment to democracy, freedom of expression and support for human rights. Latvia will continue close cooperation with the UK in security and defence, will strengthen economic ties and will support the Latvian diaspora in the UK, largest such community outside of Latvia,” said the Ambassador.

The Ambassador thanked Her Majesty for her visit to Latvia in 2006 and noted that the visit is still fondly remembered. The Ambassador also expressed warm congratulations and well wishes to Her Majesty on her 95^th birthday, which was marked quietly last week.