Annual meeting of the Honorary Consuls of the Republic of Latvia to the United States of America

On April 17, the Embassy of the Republic Latvia to the United States of America organized a meeting of Latvia’s Honorary Consuls in the United States to discuss current agenda items relevant to Latvia and the Embassy. The meeting was attended by 15 Honorary Consuls of Latvia from various U.S. states.

Elita Kuzma, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to the United States of America, thanked the Honorary Consuls for their significant contributions and close cooperation with the Embassy in representing Latvia’s interests on a daily basis, including assistance in organizing the Embassy’s regional visits. Ambassador E.Kuzma and Embassy’s diplomats briefed the Honorary Consuls on the political, security, and economic priorities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including goals in relations with our strategic partner, the United States. Ambassador E.Kuzma encouraged the Honorary Consuls to promote economic cooperation between Latvia and the U.S., which also contributes to Latvia’s security. Embassy’s staff and Honorary Consuls also discussed consular matters, activities related to building relationships with U.S. Congress and state representatives, as well as cultural and public diplomacy issues.

Minister of Finance Arvils Ašeradens joined the meeting providing insights on Latvia’s finance and economic priorities.

Mārtiņš Andersons, President of the American Latvian Association (ALA), informed attendees about the ALA’s work and addressed the Honorary Consuls regarding potential further cooperation in lobbying for Latvia’s interests with U.S. Congress’ representatives in their states. It is worth noting that this year, the ALA, which represents more than 100 Latvian organizations across 26 U.S. states, celebrated its 75th anniversary.

The meeting also featured Kristine Vainovska Twidwell, Executive Director of the Latvian-American Chamber of Commerce, who briefed the Honorary Consuls on their efforts to promote business relations between Latvia and the United States, as well as Artūrs Beiers, the new representative of the Latvian Investment and Development Agency in the United States.