NEWS AND PRESS RELEASES

2009-1-5

Latvian Ambassador Ingrida Levrence presents the Letters of credence to the President of the P.R. China.

     On the 15th of January Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to P.R. China, Ingrida Levrence, presented the Letters of credence to the President of the P.R. China, Hu Jintao, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. After the ceremonial meeting, both sides appreciated the positive development of bilateral cooperation, as well as deliberated over current issues, and emphasized the necessity of encouraging the cooperation in the fields of transport, logistics, education and tourism.

2008-12-30

Latvian Embassy in China has organized business and tourism seminar about Latvia

     On the 30th of December Latvian Embassy in Beijing in cooperation with Chinese journalist Rita Zhao organized business and tourism seminar about Latvia. Among the guests were Chinese media and tourism experts as well as representatives of Chinese government and businessmen.
     In the beginning of the seminar third secretary and economy adviser, Ligita Davidova, introduced the guests to investment and competitive export opportunities in Latvia, at the same time highlighted preferences of Latvia as a member of EU in cooperation with China.
     Rita Zhao has shared her impressions about Latvia after visiting country in September this year. In her interactive lecture and photo-exhibition she promoted Latvia as an attractive tourism destination; invited guests to answer the questions and gave all the participants specially prepared bookmarks with photos of Latvia.
     At the end of the event guests received popular Chinese magazines which included articles prepared in cooperation with Latvian Embassy in China.

2008-12-19

The Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in Beijing organized an events dedicated to the National celebrations

In order to celebrate Latvia’s 90th birthday, the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in Beijing organized events for Latvian Diasporas in Beijing and Shanghai. The event in Shanghai took place on the 15th of November in the Art gallery bringing together the Latvian Diaspora and their foreign spouses and friends. Whereas Latvian Diaspora in Beijing, predominantly students, gathered in the embassy on the 18th of November.

Thanks to the cooperation with Andrejs Ēķis and his colleagues, the film "Rīgas sargi" ("The Defenders of Riga") was screened on both of the occasions. In addition, the film will be included in the EU Film festival, which will take place from the 1st of December till 20th of December in Beijing.

In December the Embassy is planning many other events dedicated to Latvia’s 90th birthday, among them screening of the film “The Soviet story" to the Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian Diasporas, as well as publishing of Latvia-China bilateral cooperation magazine in Chinese and English languages, and presenting it during the business seminar which will be held in Beijing.

2008-12-16

Introduction to Latvia in Beijing

On the 15th of December, the first lecture on Latvian public diplomacy project "Dzintarzeme-Latvija" ("Amber country-Latvia") was held in Renmin University in Beijing, China. The event, which gathered more than 200 students and lecturers, was managed by the journalist Rita Zhao, who was telling about the impressions about Latvia attained after the journalist visit to the country in September, by presenting photographs and involving students in the process of interactive lecture. Students were very open-minded and readily shared their opinions and dreams. Attendants were also addressed by the diplomats of the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in Beijing, providing attendants with the information brochures on Latvia in Chinese language at the end of event.

Within the project framework, during the year in eight main universities in Beijing interactive lectures and travelling photo-exhibition will be organized: the collection of photos "Dzintarzeme-Latvija" ("Amber country-Latvia") by Rita Zhao, as well as collection of black-and–white photos “Project ZZZ" by Latvian photographer Andrejs Grants and his students, who in September 2007 successfully participated in the International Pinjao festival in China, as well as exhibited around the world.

The implementation of the project was made possible with an initiative of the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in Beijing, as well as with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, and cooperation with Rita Zhao and Andrejs Grants.

2008-12-08

"Rigas Sargi" ("The defenders of Riga") screening in Beijing

On the 7th of December,  within the framework of the EU Film Festival in Beijing the screening of Latvian film "Rigas Sargi" ("The defenders of Riga") was held. Inclusion of the film within the festival was made possible due to cooperation of the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia with producer Andrejs Ēķis and his colleagues, as well as organizers of the festival. Chinese press has commented the films participating in the festival and has highlighted Estonian and Latvian movies as the ones giving the biggest surprise.

Overall, annual EU Film Festival, which was held in Beijing for the first time and was extremely attended, screened films of 24 EU member states; shows are held from 1st of December till 20th of December in four different locations around Beijing. It is planned that the film festival will continue in the next years, offering the viewers a chance to see the EU best and most interesting movies.

2008-09-18

Foreign Ministry Parliamentary Secretary discusses co-operation opportunities with Vice Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee of National People's Congress, People's Republic of China

On 18 September, Eriks Zunda, Foreign Ministry Parliamentary Secretary, met with Ma Wenpu, Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China.

During the meeting, the parties were unanimous regarding the positive development of Latvia-China bilateral relations, and acknowledged/ noted the August meeting in Beijing between the presidents and the heads of the governments of both countries. The MFA Parliamentary Secretary expressed satisfaction about the foreign ministry political consultation process and the exchange visits by MPs, which promote mutual understanding between both countries.

Parliamentary Secretary Zunda highlighted the necessity to reduce Latvia's trade deficit with China and to promote the export of Latvian goods, including milk products and processed fish, and also to utilise transport of freight containers by rail, which still has plenty of untapped potential.

Vice Chairman Ma Wenpu, who is also the head of the China-Latvia co-operation group in the National People's Congress, highly estimated the One China Principle in Latvia's foreign policy. Mr Ma Wenpu, who has studied and worked in Europe previously, related that he had very much desired to visit Latvia which, in his opinion, is "a Baltic pearl and an important co-operation partner for China."

The delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress is on a visit in Latvia from 17 to 20 September, following an invitation by the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee.

2008-09-17

Latvian Embassy in China greets sportsmen Aigars Apinis and Edgars Bergs

On 16 September Latvian Embassy in China organised a reception in honor of the Latvian Paralympics’ team who is participating in Paralympic Games taking place from 6-17 September in Beijing. Embassy diplomats congratulated the gold medal winner in discus- throwing & silver medal winner in shot-put Aigars Apinis, as well as the silver medal winner in shot-put Edgars Bergs. Sportsmen and diplomats shared their impressions about the Games, the victories and challenges in sports and life.

The Paralympic champion Aigars Apinis will carry the Latvian flag on Wednesday, 17 September during the Closing Ceremony of the Paralympics. The Latvian team will return home on 19 September.

2008-06-16

Chinese Ambassador on farewell visit to Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins

On 17 June, Zhang Limin, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Latvia, is to meet with Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins as part of his farewell visit.

Foreign Minister Riekstins and the Chinese Ambassador are to review the most important co-operation projects implemented during the Ambassador's period of office, as well as the future prospects in bilateral relations. Both parties expect to discuss the development of the economic co-operation and the political consultation process between the foreign ministries.

Ambassador Zhang Limin of China was accredited in Latvia on 5 December 2005. Since then, three Latvia-China inter-ministerial co-operation agreements have been signed in the fields of culture, defence and health.

2008-05-14

Foreign Minister extends condolences to Chinese Foreign Minister with regard to earthquake in Sichuan province

Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Riekstins has sent a letter of condolences to Yang Jiechi, the Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister, in relation to the earthquake in Sichuan province.

In his letter, the Latvian Foreign Minister extends his heartfelt condolences to families in China who have lost their relatives. Despite the scale of the tragedy, Minister Riekstins expresses his belief that China will be able to overcome the challenges of dealing with the damage caused by the earthquake 

On 12 May, the Chinese province of Sichuan was struck by a 7.9 magnitude earthquake. At present, the number of victims has exceeded 40,000.

2008-04-02

Prime Minister met Ambassador of People's Republic of China to Latvia

Today, on April 2, Ivars Godmanis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, met Zhang Limin, Ambassador of People's Republic of China, during his introductory visit.

The focus of the meeting was the topical issues of relations between Latvia and China, economic cooperation and current political matters. During the course of discussions, the officials approved of the bilateral dialogue and necessity to further cooperation in economics, science, education and culture.

The Prime Minister highlighted the interest of Latvia in expanding economic relations with China – especially in the area of transit, rail transportation and use of sea ports. The Head of the Government particularly emphasized the use of Latvian transport, transit and logistics infrastructure for the purpose of trade between China and the European Union (EU), and development of Latvia as the regional centre of logistics. The Prime Minister appealed to China for intensification of forming the rail cooperation transport group.

The Prime Minister once again reminded about the interest of Latvia in pursuing the issue of direct air traffic between Rīga and Beijing, stressing the necessity for organising the meeting of experts of respective line ministries in order to learn about the facilities of the Rīga airport and discuss the opportunities for the direct air transportation.

The situation in Taiwan and Tibet was also discussed during the meeting. With regard to Taiwan, the Prime Minister once again approved the One China Policy, consistently implemented by the Government of Latvia, and noted that the mentioned issue can only be solved in a peaceful manner. Considering the situation in Tibet, the Prime Minister expressed negative attitude towards any kind of violence, stressing that a sustainable solution can only be achieved through discussions. The Prime Minister noted that a positive dealing with those delicate issues could be promoted by China's ability to provide open and correct information about the situation in Tibet to the world, and ensure the presence of diplomats and international journalists in the region.

2008-03-15

Foreign Minister voices concern on recent developments in Lhasa

Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins has voiced concern regarding the events of previous days in Lhasa, Tibet, where civilian lives have been lost in the unrest. The Minister urges avoidance of the use of force and the seeking of a solution through peaceful negotiations. Violence in any form cannot serve as a solution and is to be condemned.  

Latvia is of the view that Tibet is a part of the People's Republic of China, and is interested in a constructive dialogue with China on humanitarian issues, including the preservation of the cultural, ethnic, and religious identity of Tibet.

2008-03-10

Foreign Minister discusses potential development of bilateral co-operation with Chinese Ambassador

On 10 March the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Latvia, Zhang Limin, made an introductory visit to the Foreign Minister, Maris Riekstins.

At the meeting, Minister Riekstins commended the development of bilateral relations, and stressed the potential of the economic dimension in co-operation, especially in the area of transport. The parties voiced satisfaction with the present intensity of the Latvia-China political consultations, which provide the opportunity to follow the trends of bilateral relations, as well as to exchange views on current events in international politics.   

Foreign Minister confirmed that Latvia will consistently continue to observe the One-China policy. Likewise, the Minister wished the Chinese people every success in hosting two events of international significance: the Beijing Olympic Games and the ASEM (the Asia-Europe Meeting) Summit.

2007-12-07

Accession of Latvia to the Schengen Area

The 6 December meeting of the Council of the European Union, Justice and Home Affairs in Brussels adopted a conclusion by which nine new EU Member States – Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia and Malta will join the Schengen Area.

This decision provides for the abolition, from 21 December, of border control on land and maritime borders of Latvia with Lithuania and Estonia, and thus this border becomes the internal border of the Schengen space. The abolition of border control at the internal air borders is planned for 30 March 2008.

The border of Latvia with neighbouring countries Russia and Belarus, which are not members of the Schengen Treaty, will become the external border of the Schengen Area. Border controls on the external border of the Schengen Area will be maintained.

After the accession of Latvia to the Schengen Area on 21 December this year, Latvia's diplomatic and consular representations abroad will commence the issuance of a uniform or Schengen visa, which will be valid in the territory of all the states – members to the Shengen Treaty.  

Additional information of Latvia's accession to the Schengen Area and changes in the visa issuance

2007-10-22

Latvia-China security policy consultations concluded

On 22 October, Latvia-China security policy consultations were concluded in Beijing. The Latvian delegation was headed by Ilgvars Klava, the Political Director of the Foreign Ministry, and the Chinese delegation – by Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Dawei.

During the consultations, both parties discussed previous bilateral co-operation between Latvia and China, focusing on co-operation in economics, education, culture, and between municipalities.

The Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister invited Latvia to continue its active bilateral co-operation with China and to advance EU-China dialogue especially preparing for the EU-China Summit scheduled for 28 November.

Current regional and international security policy issues were considered both from the perspective of the regions surrounding both states and within the context of EU-China dialogue. In 2004, the EU defined China as its strategic partner.

Both parties discussed the role of regional and international organisations, especially emphasising the UN as a significant forum for the discussion of global security policy issues.

During his stay, Ilgvars Klava visited the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation Secretariat (SCO) at which Secretary-General Bolat Nurgaliev introduced the Latvian delegation to the priorities of the SCO and provided an overview of its current projects. The SCO was established in 2001, uniting China, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan as its member states.  

2007-09-20

Latvian Culture Days take place in China

Yesterday, 19 September, the official opening of the photo project ZZZ exhibition as part of the Pingyao International Photography Festival heralded the Latvian Culture Days event in China. The photo project, which was created by well-known Latvian photographer Andrejs Grants and members of the Annas 2 Centre for Creative Learning youth photo studio, took shape over a period of several years, and is a unique interplay between photographic and cinematic aesthetics.

The ZZZ photo project was exhibited for the first time in Riga in January 2007, and again in Liepaja in September this year. This is the first occasion on which the photographic collection is being exhibited overseas, and in the near future it is also to be shown in the Chinese capital Beijing, and the Turkish capital Ankara.

Today, on 20 September, as part of the festival, an "author's evening" is to be held with Andrejs Grants, during which the photo-artist will show, on an outdoor screen, his photographic collections: Latvia. A Changing and Changeless Reality; City of Light; Travel Notes; Colleagues, Friends, Acquaintances, and other works.

The week-long Pingyao International Photography Festival is being held for the seventh time, and is one of the most significant photographic art events in China. This year Latvia has been invited to be one of a few major festival guest nations, along with India, Japan, and Mexico. Photo-artists from a total of 47 countries are participating in the wide-ranging festival, including the world-renowned American photographer Robert Frank, whose appearance on stage at the official opening caused general delight among his colleagues in the audience.

Next week as part of Culture Days in China, a meeting is to take place between Andrejs Grants and students of the Beijing Film Academy.

2007-09-20

Band Auli visits China

On 20 September, the Latvian bagpipe and drum band Auli arrived in Beijing to participate in events at the Latvian Culture Days in China being organised by the Latvian Embassy in the People's Republic of China.

On 22 September, Auli together with Mezciems Primary School pupils, who are also currently visiting Beijing, will introduce their fellowship partners - the Hongzhi Middle School in Beijing - to Latvian music, traditions, and games. On 23 September, in turn, Auli will give a concert at the popular concert hall The Star Live offering the wider Beijing public a taste of contemporary traditional Latvian music.  

The Auli visit to Beijing takes place with financial support of the Latvian Foreign Ministry, the Latvian Embassy in China, Eriks Teilans - a Latvian private sponsor and the Chinese telecommunications company ZTE.

2007-09-18

Mezciems Primary School pupils visit Beijing

On 19 September 2007, pupils from grade 7a of the Mezciems Primary School will arrive in China and represent Latvia in the Beijing Olympic Games educational programme Heart-to-Heart. 

During their stay in Beijing, the schoolchildren will visit pupils of their fellowship partners – Hongzhi Middle School - and join in common cultural and sporting activities. On 22 September, Latvian and Chinese schoolchildren together with the Latvian bagpipe and drum band Auli will take part in an open-air event to be held by the Latvian Embassy in China thus providing the possibility to observe contemporary traditional Latvian music and Latvian games.  

2007-09-03

Latvian diplomatic representations participate in photo campaign "One Day in Latvia - Twenty Years Later"

On 31 August 2007, following an earlier call to all Latvian representations abroad, a number of Latvian diplomatic missions, including the Latvian Embassies in Finland, Ireland, Canada, Norway, Greece, the Czech Republic, and China, participated in the photo campaign One Day in Latvia - Twenty Years Later. Among other participants was the representative of the Latvian diaspora community in Australia, Prof Ojars Greste, and the Latvian congregation in Argentina.

The Latvian Embassy in Finland took pictures of the Latvian Ambassador Einars Semanis as he struck the Latvian commemorative coin in the Finnish mint Rahapaja, whereas the Latvian Embassy in Canada captured moments from the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Tervete, the Latvian rural estate in Canada.

This unique photo campaign held on 31 August on the theme of One Day in Latvia - Twenty Years Later was arranged by the association VIENA DIENA.lv. As part of the event, 25 local and 25 foreign photographers took pictures all day long in all the regions of Latvia, capturing different moments: people, a variety of situations, schools, hospitals, and other establishments.

The first campaign of this kind was held 20 years ago, when the best photographers from the USSR, Germany and Finland captured moments from the life of the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic. Each shot contained information about the date and place when and where it was taken and a short description. A total of 30,000 photo negatives were made, but which to this day have not been published and are stored in the archives of Latvian museums.

2007-07-10

Embassy in China screens Latvian animated films for students

Thanks to a successful collaboration with the animation studios Avarijas Brigade and Dauka, the Latvian Embassy in China introduced students at the Hongzhi Secondary School, a Latvian co-operation school, to animated films from Latvia on 10 July. They were well received and attracted considerable interest. The Embassy plans to organise further screenings of animated films in future so as to broaden the knowledge of Chinese students about Latvia.

2007-07-06

Students of Hongzhi Middle School visit Latvian Embassy in China

On 6 July 2007, students and teachers from the Hongzhi Middle School in Beijing made a visit to the Latvian Embassy in China.

The visit by the students to the Latvian diplomatic representation was arranged at the initiative of Janis Lovniks, the Latvian Ambassador to China, for the purpose of better acquainting them with the history of Latvia, its culture, sports traditions, as well as with the work of the Embassy. Students took an active part in the discussion by asking questions and expressed genuine interest about Latvia and the development of co-operation between Latvia and China.

As part of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games' education programme Heart-to-Heart, the Hongzhi Middle School in China has established partnership with the Mezciema Primary School in Latvia.

2007-06-18

Balts to celebrate Ligo festival in Beijing

At the invitation of the Latvian Embassy in China, all three Baltic state embassies in Beijing will join with Baltic citizens resident in Beijing in celebrating the forthcoming Ligo (summer solstice) festival together on 23 June.

It is proposed that representatives from each country will introduce the others to its traditions, songs and beliefs in celebrating the Ligo festival. The celebrations will feature greenery, bonfires, Jani (Festival of St John, celebrated on 24 June) cheese, a symbolic search for the fern blossom (a fertility ritual), and locally brewed Chinese beer.

This is the first time such a joint event has been held between the representatives of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia in the Chinese capital. As there are relatively few people from the Baltic states living in Beijing, it is expected that the event will be attended by around 25 Balts, together with a further 15 guests and representatives from the media.

2007-01-22

Conference on translation of classical and canonical texts into Latvian, Estonian and Finnish languages

On 24 January 2007, from 10 to 4.30 pm, in auditorium K102 of the Riga Stradins University (16 Dzirciema St.), the Latvian Embassy in Estonia, in co-operation with the Finnish Institute in Estonia and the Confucius Centre of the Riga Stradins University, will hold an international scientific conference on the Translation of Classical and Canonical Texts into the Latvian, Estonian and Finnish Languages.

Translations of classical and canonical texts from the original language signal the maturity of the language. On searching the corresponding words during the process of translation, the translator must update the target language and discover new resources in it which have not been particularly looked for earlier. The researchers from the three neighbouring Baltic states will gather to consider the above-mentioned subject and to discuss the similarities and disparities in the experience of the Latvian, Estonian and Finnish scientists. The conference will be held in Riga for the first time, with the next meeting scheduled in Tallinn.

The Riga Stradins University will be the venue for a professional discussion, including readings of various reports. A report entitled God - It is His Style will be delivered by Uldis Berzins, the translator of the Qur'an. The researcher of the Arabic language and the Islamic culture at the University of Helsinki, Prof Jaako Hameen-Anttila, will deliver a report on the subject of the translation of the Qur'an. Professor Tapani Harviainen from the University of Helsinki, will present a report on the easy and difficult aspects of the translation of the Old Testament. Mr Jaan Lahe, a lecturer from the Tallinn Institute of Theology, will analyze the difficulties of the translation of the New Testament, and Professor Jelena Staburova from the Riga Stradins University, will deliver a report dealing with the translation problems of classical and canonical texts in Latvia.

The Latvian, Estonian and Finnish languages will be the three basic working languages of the conference. The reports will also include readings in the Hebrew, Greek, Arabic, Chinese, and English languages.

2006-09-06

On the 9th Saeima elections procedure abroad

On 7 October 2006, the 9th Saeima (Latvian parliament) elections will be held. Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in conjunction with the Central Election Commission has created 53 polling stations abroad. In 38 of the polling stations it will be possible to file applications for voting by post and also to vote in person, and 15 polling stations will be open on the election day itself from 7 am to 10 pm local time. 

Since there are several thousand guest workers from Latvia presently in Guernsey (UK), the Latvian Foreign Ministry is financing rental of premises for a polling station arranged on the island.

A valid Latvian citizen's passport is required for voting.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs draws the attention of Latvian citizens staying abroad that in the Latvian diplomatic and consular representations abroad, in which polling stations for voting by post will be arranged, applications for voting by post are accepted from 8 May to 15 September (inclusive) from voters who are staying abroad and wish to vote in the 9th Saeima elections by post.    

To apply for a postal vote, a citizen must file an application in the respective diplomatic of consular representation of the Republic of Latvia. In addition to the person's data, the application shall contain the address abroad to which the voter would like voting materials to be posted. Upon registering by post, a voter shall produce, to the representation's staff, a Latvian citizen's passport in which a stamp certifying participation in the elections will be put. In the absence of a Latvian citizen's passport, applications for voting by post cannot be filed.

If the voter cannot arrive in person at the respective representation by the specified deadline to apply for a postal vote, another person may deliver the voter's application and passport to a representative of the representation.

Information on the voting opportunities in foreign countries is available at Latvia's diplomatic and consular representations, and at the Consular Department of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, e-mail: mfa.cdep@mfa.gov.lv.

Additional information on the 9th Saeima (Latvian Parliament) elections is available on the Central Election Commission's website www.cvk.lv.

2006-09-04

Film about Latvia broadcast in China

On 3 September 2006, the Chinese TV channel Travel Channel started broadcast of the film Love Latvia. The film is dedicated to the 15th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Latvia and China and, for the first time in the history of diplomatic relations between both countries, familiarises the Chinese TV audience with the culture of Latvia.

Love Latvia consists of four parts: two of these reflect the architecture and lifestyle of Riga, and relate the history of the city; the next part shows the City of Jurmala, and the concluding part shows Latvia's ancient castles and parks together with an insight into medieval traditions. The film will be broadcast during the month of September with one Sunday being allocated to each part of the film, and three repetitions to be shown on working days. The language track of Love Latvia is made in Chinese thus allowing the Chinese people not only to visually appraise the wealth of Latvian culture and nature, but also to go deeper into the diversity of the culture and history of Latvia.

The film was created on the joint initiative of the administration of the TV program Better House Around the World and the Latvian Embassy in China. The Latvian Foreign Ministry and a number of other Latvian public and private agencies supported shooting of the film. At the beginning of July, this year, the film crew of the program Better House Around the World arrived in Latvia and prepared more than seven hours of material which served as the basis not only for the film Love Latvia, but also for a would-be CD on opportunities for economic co-operation with Latvia.

2006-08-16

Foreign Minister Pabriks extends condolences to people of China

Latvian Foreign Minister Pabriks extends his deepest sympathy to the people of China and to the families of the victims of typhoon Saomai, and has sent a letter of condolences to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Li Zhaoxing.

2006-03-21

Latvia-China bilateral political consultations held in Beijing

On 16 - 17 March 2006 in Beijing, a Latvian delegation, headed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs State Secretary Normans Penke, held political consultations with representatives of the Foreign Ministry of the People's Republic of China. The Chinese delegation was headed by the Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister, Zhang Yesui. The officials discussed current developments in bilateral relations between Latvia and China, noting that this year is the 15 th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Latvian-Chinese dialogue is developing successfully, with a regular exchange of visits taking place. Potential exists for developing cooperation at the municipal level between both countries. Latvia and China are also developing a bilateral cultural cooperation programme.

The delegations discussed issues pertaining to regional security policy, relations with Russia, Japan, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula. Close attention focused on cooperation between China and the European Union, which has now become China's major trading partner.

The Latvian delegation also met with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing who assessed bilateral cooperation between Latvia and China positively, and expressed his appreciation of Latvia's consistent respect for the One-China Principle. The officials also discussed matters relating to UN reform.

The consultations continued at the National People's Congress (NPC), where the Latvian delegation met with the Vice Chairman of the NPC Foreign Affairs Committee, Lu Congmin, who acquainted them with the state of rural development in China, the reduction of disparities between rural and urban areas, and the improvement of the social security system. Both delegations acknowledged the well-established cooperation between their countries at the parliamentary level. Mr Congmin extended an invitation to the Chairperson of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee, Vaira Paegle, to visit China. The Latvian delegation offered to provide consultations to the Chinese parliamentarians regarding legislation, and to establish cooperation between the Chancelleries of the Latvian and Chinese Parliaments.

During the meeting with the Vice-Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Zhang Zhijun, the delegations exchanged views on China-EU cooperation.

The Vice-Minister of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, Wang Zaixi, briefed the Latvian representatives on China's position regarding recent statements made by the Taipei leader on terminating the operation of the National Unification Council.

During the consultations, particular emphasis focused on economic issues and cooperation in the areas of transport and logistics. On 17 March, the Latvian delegation met with the Vice-Minister of Communications, Xu Zuyuan, to discuss the prospects for transit policy.

The Latvian Foreign Ministry delegation also had individual meetings with representatives from the European Commission delegation in Beijing, the most influential international news agencies accredited in China, Reuters and CNN , and with news correspondents from Hong Kong's newspaper, the South China Morning Post .

2005-11-18

Speech of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to the Peoples’ Republic of China Mr. Janis Lovniks on the occasion of the National Day of the Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia

Dear Vice Minister, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Compatriots, Dear friends,

As the Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the People's Republic of China I congratulate you with the 87th anniversary of the foundation of the independent Latvian State!

I wish this day to be happy and significant to all Latvians and friends of Latvia – all those that hold Latvia dear, so that we could feel our freedom, unity of our nation and pride about the progress of our country.

We are independent again and it has been 15 years since we got back our freedom. Now we feel strong and confident as a member state of the EU and the NATO Alliance.

Now our country has such perspectives we never even dreamed of and at the same time enormous responsibilities too. We are given and we have to give back in return. We can share our opinions, but to be heard we have to listen to others.

We have established and are developing further dialogue with our partners in the European Union and in the NATO Alliance, as well as with our friends, supporters and allies all around the world.

Today is a perfect occasion for all Latvian citizens, people of Latvian descent and those who closely associate themselves with our Latvia to remember that you are all a part of it, that all you do is a contribution to the growth, development and the very existence of our country and nation. Although we have many achievements, there is still a lot to do. There are things, which we take great pride in and there are things, which need improvement.

Let us be proud for our victories and accomplishments, let us be ready to work hard to contribute to our future, let us be ready for new challenges.

Latvia needs all of you, your devotion, your friendship, your loyalty, your wisdom, and your support.

In the name of my country I, as the Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia want to thank all of you who are present at this occasion and those who are not here in person but are with us in their hearts.

God bless Latvia!

2007-11-14

Speech of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to the Peoples’ Republic of China Mr. Janis Lovniks on the occasion of the National Day of the Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia

Honourable Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs,

Head of the State Chancellery,State Secretary,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Every year cold month of November is the time when hearts of every Latvian are filled with warmth and pride. It is because on 18 November 1918 the independent Republic of Latvia was proclaimed – a country which one of the most beautiful in the world and whose people are one of the most hard working among others.

This year, few days before this important date – the 89th National Independence Anniversary – we:  Latvians and friends of Latvia have gathered here in this cosy reception hall of Novotel Peace Hotel in order to have pleasant time together with some Latvian music and one of the most beautiful sceneries of our country in background, as well as to establish new contacts or refresh the existing ones.

It is my honour to have the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Mr. Kong Quan, the Head of the State Chancellery of Latvia Mrs. Gunta Veismane and the State Secretary of the Ministry of Economics of Latvia Mr. Kaspars Gerhards among the special guests of our reception.

The presence of so many high officials and delegation led by them in the celebration of the independence day of Latvia is very meaningful - this year there has been a significant increase in the intensity of Latvia – China bilateral relationship. One of the most important visits to be mentioned is Latvian Prime Minster’s Mr. Aigars Kalvitis participation in international forums in Dalian and Xiamen, meeting with the Prime Minister of China Mr. We Jiabao and vice minister Wu Yi; bilateral political and security consultation in Riga and Beijing led by the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Mr. Kong Quan and Political director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Mr. Ilgvars Klava.

Last but not the least, yesterday the 6th session of Latvia- China joint committee’s work was concluded with productive results. Due to that we have the delegation of Latvian officials, experts and businessmen led by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Economics of Latvia Mr. Kaspars Gerhards among us today at the celebration.

I am convinced that also in this reception hall there will be a constructive and informal atmosphere, which has always been present in Latvia – China bilateral relationships, and cordiality and openness, which is characteristic when good friends meet.

Now we play national anthems of the Republic of Latvia and People’s Republic of China!

- God bless Latvia!

- Hundred years for Latvia - China relationship!

2007-07-08

President of the Republic of Latvia Valdis Zatlers

Valdis Zatlers, President of the Republic of Latvia, was elected on 31 May 2007 by the Parliament for a four-year term.