Ambassador of Latvia Katarina Plātere presents her Letter of Credence to the Governor General of Canada

On September 15, 2026, Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to Canada Katarina Plātere presented her Letter of Credence to the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, the Right Honourable Louise Arbour. The ceremony took place at the Rideau Hall, the historic residence of the Governor General in Ottawa.

During the conversation with the Governor General, the close bilateral relations between Latvia and Canada were highlighted, emphasizing the shared vision held by both nations regarding fundamental values ​​and the core principles of international relations, and the role of Canada's Latvian community in strengthening the relations between the two countries and nations. 

Ambassador Katarina Plātere expressed Latvia’s gratitude for Canada’s contribution to the defense of Latvia and NATO’s eastern flank, emphasizing that Canada is an outstanding ally and friend. She highly valued Canada’s decision to extend its military presence in Latvia until 2031. The Ambassador noted the excellent cooperation between Latvia and Canada in defense and security matters, and stressed the need to foster similar engagement in other areas - promoting mutual trade and investment, as well as collaboration of defense industries, the scientific communities, and higher education institutions.

Ambassador K. Plātere extended an invitation to the Governor General of Canada L. Arbour to pay an official visit to Latvia.

Latvia and Canada actively cooperate within NATO, the Coalition of the Willing, and other multilateral formats, sharing the common goal of upholding rules based international order, as well as providing support to Ukraine in its fight against the Russian aggression.

This marks the first time a woman is representing Latvia in Canada.