The Latvian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Her Excellency Baiba Braže, has made her first official visit to Guernsey.
The visit formed part of celebrations of the centenary of Latvia, and the Ambassador opened an art exhibition at Guernsey airport to celebrate 100 years of Latvian history. The visit also include working meetings to strengthen the relationship between Guernsey and Latvia.
During her time in Guernsey, the Ambassador met the President of the Policy & Resources Committee, Deputy Gavin St Pier, as well as other Members of the States of Guernsey's Senior Committee and representatives of the Committees for Economic Development, Employment & Social Security and Home Affairs. Meetings with politicians focussed on the island's economy, developments within the European Union and the implications of Brexit for Guernsey. The visit also gave an opportunity to update the Ambassador on discussions on a reciprocal social security agreement with Latvia.
The Ambassador also met with representatives of the Latvian community. During her stay in Guernsey Ms Baiba Braže was able to learn more about the culture and heritage of the island. She had the opportunity to fire the noon-day gun at Castle Cornet and also received a tour of the Occupation Museum, to understand more about how the island coped during the occupation.
President of the Policy & Resources Committee, Deputy Gavin St Pier said:
"It was a privilege to meet again the Latvian Ambassador, Her Excellency Baiba Braže, during her first official visit to the island. The visit provided a timely opportunity for Guernsey to further strengthen its working relationship with Latvia, an important partner for Guernsey. It is of strategic importance that we are able to develop own relationships with EU Member States and this visit followed my meeting in Brussels last week with Latvia's Ambassador to the EU
This visit also enabled us to take part in the celebrations of the local Latvian community in this important centenary year of the Republic of Latvia, supporting a valued section of our community who continue to contribute so much to our island."
