Embassy of Latvia to the USA - Latvijas vēstniecība ASV

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Latvijas Republikas Ārlietu ministrija | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia | America250 | United States Embassy - Riga, Latvia

Today 🇱🇻 Ambassador to 🇺🇸 Elita Kuzma met the Ambassador of Panama 🇵🇦 to the United States 🇺🇸 José Miguel Alemán to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and political dialogue between Latvia and Panama, cooperation as members of the UN Security Council, and the upcoming 56th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Panama this June.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia | Latvijas Republikas Ārlietu ministrija | Embajada de Panamá en los Estados Unidos

On June 1 the Embassy of Latvia organized a lecture “Overcoming Communist Oppression: Historical Lessons and Reflections” at the Victims of Communism Museum in Washington, D.C.

The event featured former President of Latvia Egils Levits and distinguished historians Dr. Gatis Krūmiņš, Dr. Ilmārs Mežs, and Dr. Jānis Šiliņš, who reflected on Latvia’s experience under communist rule.

🇱🇻 Ambassador to 🇺🇸 Elita Kuzma, Ms. Genevieve Libonati, Acting Director of the Office of Northern European, Baltic, and Arctic Security Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, and Dr. Eric Patterson, President and CEO of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, delvidered opening remarks.

🇱🇻 Ambassador Elita Kuzma underscored that “Latvia’s journey to freedom is a 100 percent success story” and emphasized that “the lessons of Latvia’s transition to democracy remain relevant for societies that continue to face authoritarian rule and political repression”.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia | Latvijas Republikas Ārlietu ministrija

On Monday the Embassy of Latvia hosted a high-level panel discussion “International Law and Security: The UN Security Council and Russia's War of Aggression Against Ukraine.”

The discussion featured H.E. Egils Levits, former President of Latvia 🇱🇻, Chiara Giorgetti, Professor of Law at Richmond Law School and an expert in international dispute resolution, and was moderated by Dr. Gatis Krūmiņš.

⚖️ The discussion explored the role of international law and the UN Security Council in addressing today's security challenges and armed conflicts, with particular attention to Russia's full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, its implications for the international rules-based order, and the importance of accountability for violations of international law.

🇱🇻 Ambassador to 🇺🇸 Elita Kuzma in her opening remarks emphasized that Latvia 🇱🇻, as an elected member of the UN Security Council, remains committed to working for a safer, more just, and more resilient world.

The event brought together diplomats, representatives of international organizations, academics, policy experts, and civil society leaders.



Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia | Latvijas Republikas Ārlietu ministrija

🇱🇻 Ambassador to 🇺🇸 Elita Kuzma alongside Ambassadors of Estonia 🇪🇪 and Lithuania 🇱🇹 spoke at the 30th Biennial Association for the Advancement of Baltic Studies Conference at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

The discussion was moderated by Former President of Latvia, Egils Levits, and brought together scholars, educators and diaspora communities to explore how diasporas build bridges across nations and shape our global future.

🇱🇻 Ambassador Elita Kuzma noted that Latvian diaspora in the United States 🇺🇸 has had a profound role in preserving national identity, advancing democratic values, and contributing to Latvia's continued development as a free, democratic, and prosperous nation.

"Today the Latvian diaspora remains active, organized, and deeply committed to cultural preservation and civic engagement," reminded 🇱🇻 Ambassador Elita Kuzma.

Latvijas Republikas Ārlietu ministrija | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia | American Latvian Association | Diaspora LV | Estonian Embassy in Washington | Lietuvos ambasada Vašingtone / Embassy of Lithuania in Washington, D.C.

🇱🇻 Ambassador to 🇺🇸 Elita Kuzma, speaking at an event recognizing the Latvia 🇱🇻 - Canada 🇨🇦 Partnership within NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence stated:
🇺🇸🤝🇱🇻🤝🇨🇦 "Latvia today has become an important place where NATO allies - Americans, Canadians, and Europeans - train, cooperate and build real interoperability on NATO's Eastern Flank."

🇱🇻 Ambassador Elita Kuzma noted in her speech the importance and added value of practical experience in military cooperation in a multinational environment, and also stressed that 🇱🇻 has enshrined defense spending of 5% of GDP into law, continues enhancing host nation support, and remains ready to support an even stronger Allied presence in Latvia 🇱🇻.

We thank 🇨🇦 Consul General Madeleine Féquière (Consulate General of Canada in Chicago) for hosting this event and for 🇨🇦 continued friendship, leadership, and steadfast commitment to 🇱🇻 and the Baltic region. Former President of Latvia, Egils Levits, attended this event as a Guest of Honor, recognizing that the event shows a strong Transatlantic partnership that benefits all NATO allies.

During the event 🇱🇻 Honorary Consul to Illinois 🇺🇸 Robert Blumberg and 🇱🇻 diaspora made a symbolic donation to "True Patriot Freedom Foundation", as a gesture of gratitude to the veterans for their service and support to Latvia 🇱🇻.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia | Latvijas Republikas Ārlietu ministrija | American Latvian Association | Diaspora LV | Embassy of Latvia in Canada / Latvijas vēstniecība Kanādā

Today 🇱🇻 Ambassador to 🇺🇸 Elita Kuzma and Executive Vice President for the US Semiquincentennial Commission (America250) Jennifer Condon signed a Memorandum of Understanding, marking the deep ties between Latvia 🇱🇻 and the US 🇺🇸, and officially establishing mutual cooperation in celebrating America's 250th Independence Day.

This MoU will benefit both Latvians and Americans to experience mutual historical and cultural connection between our peoples.



Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia | Latvijas Republikas Ārlietu ministrija | American Latvian Association | Latvijas Republikas Kultūras ministrija | Latvijas Nacionālā bibliotēka / National Library of Latvia