Canberra, 4 August 2022(TDI): Latvia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs, formally opened the embassy of Latvia in Australia on Wednesday, in Canberra.
The Latvian national flag was raised during the inauguration event, which was attended by representatives of Indigenous Australians and government officials. Together with the Ambassador of Latvia, the heads of the Latvian diaspora organizations, and other invited guests.
Foreign Minister @edgarsrinkevics officially inaugurates 🇱🇻 Embassy in #Australia 🇦🇺, which also represents 🇱🇻 interests in #NewZealand 🇳🇿, and underlines the strategic importance of strengthening the cooperation between like-minded countries.
➡️ https://t.co/lRbWmnijui pic.twitter.com/qlNeYnWOLk— Latvian MFA 🇱🇻 | #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 (@Latvian_MFA) August 3, 2022
In line with bilateral relations between Latvia and Australia, this year marks the 101st anniversary since Australia recognized Latvia’s independence. As well 31 years since both countries established diplomatic relations.
The Foreign Minister expressed his gratitude to Australia for taking in Latvian refugees during World War II. In addition, numerous associations have been formed by the Latvians who reside in Australia.
The sizeable Latvian diaspora has improved relations between Latvia and Australia and was instrumental in establishing an embassy in Canberra.
Foreign Minister’s Remarks
At the Embassy’s opening, Rinkēvičs said that it had never been more crucial for like-minded nations to expand their collaboration.
He further said that Australia and Latvia share a similar outlook on democracy and human rights. Together with the rule-based international order, all of which are crucial in both Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.
Furthermore, he revealed that he is confident that the Embassy’s opening will deepen both countries’ political exchanges. In addition, the embassy will offer fresh prospects for pragmatic collaboration in the realms of business, culture, and other areas.
He further expressed hope in that the Embassy would develop into a regional hub for establishing and fostering relationships with other Oceanian nations. In New Zealand, the Embassy also speaks for Latvia’s interests.
A special collection of documents belonging to Jēkabs Pūre, the Latvian Consul in Shanghai (1933–1945), were given to the Minister at the conclusion of the ceremony.
The diplomat’s grandson Leo Pūre, who currently resides in Australia, gave the historical documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
