OREANDA-NEWS. On March 12, Ivars Godmanis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, opened the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Latvia to the EU in Brussels.

Mвris Riekstiтр, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, Normunds Popзns, Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the European Union, as well as all former Latvian ambassadors to the European Union took part in the official opening ceremony.

The Prime Minister in his official opening address noted that currently the domestic policy of Latvia cannot be separated from Latvian foreign policy as many issues of the domestic policy start in Brussels and therefore the work of Latvian representatives in Brussels is of increased importance. “We here in Latvia and you there in Brussels share a common duty – the protection of interests of Latvia”, said Ivars Godmanis.

Minister for Foreign Affair, Mвris Riekрtiтр reminded that right after the renewal of independence it would have been only logical for a new country to open its embassies and representations only in the nearest neighbouring countries. However, already in 1992, Latvia also opened its representation in Brussels thus starting to pave the way for its accession to the European Union.

As previously reported, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Economics of the Republic of Latvia are taking part in the meeting of the European Council (on March 13-14) which will focus on issues of energy, climate and financial market stability.