PRESS RELEASES OF EMBASSY
Prime Minister and Foreign Minister offer condolences to Czech people over death of Václav Havel [19 Dec 2011]
Prime Minister and Foreign Minister have sent letters of condolence to the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Nečas and Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg expressing deepest sympathy with the people of the Czech Republic over the death of former Czech President and playwright Václav Havel. In this letter, Prime Minister Dombrovskis accentuated Havel's significant role in restoring democracy in Central and Eastern Europe that was symbolic of the end of Cold War and the victory of democracy.
Ambassador to Czech Republic to deliver lecture at Charles University in Prague [13 Dec 2011]
On 13 December, the Ambassador of Latvia to the Czech Republic Kaspars Ozoliņš will deliver a guest lecture at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University to mark the 20th anniversary of restoring diplomatic relations and 90 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Latvia and the Czech Republic. The lecture will deal with the period of the restored statehood of Latvia, strengthening independence through integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures, bilateral relations with the Czech Republic and the topical subjects in politics and economy.
Foreign Minister Rinkēvičs congratulates Croatia on signing Treaty of Accession with EU [09 Dec 2011]
On 9 December in Brussels, in the framework of the European Council, an official ceremony was held for the signing of the Treaty concerning the Accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union. The Treaty was signed by the leaders of 27 EU Member States and the President and Prime Minister of Croatia. For the Republic of Latvia, the Treaty was signed by Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis.
Edgars Rinkēvičs and Czech Ambassador share opinion on enhancing economic cooperation between Latvia and Czech Republic [28 Nov 2011]
On 28 November, Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs hosted an introductory visit from the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Latvia Pavol Šepelák. The foreign minister and the ambassador discussed the cooperation to date between Latvia and the Czech Republic. The parties noted that the countries have established a successful political dialogue as well as close cooperation in the field of economy and culture.
Czech Ambassador to Latvia congratulates Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs on assuming office [01 Nov 2011]
On 1 November, Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs met the Ambassador of the Czech Republic Tomáš Pštross on his farewell visit. The Ambassador submitted to Edgars Rinkēvičs a letter from the Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic Karel Schwarzenberg congratulating the Latvian Foreign Minister on assuming office. The parties had a discussion about the cooperation to date between Latvia and the Czech Republic that has been successful both bilaterally and in the framework of international formats.
The Platform of European Memory and Conscience is to be signed in Prague [13 Oct 2011]
On the 13th and 14th of October the Latvian Embassy in Prague will participate in events dedicated to the The Platform of European Memory and Conscience (hereinafter - the platform), start-up. The platform aims at creating a European totalitarian research institute in a joint co-operative format, which will promote a common understanding of totalitarianism and creation of the memory space in Europe.
Latvian film awarded at the "Tourfilm" festival in Karlovy Vary [07 Oct 2011]
At the international tourism film festival „Tourfilm” in Karlovy Vary a short film from Latvia got awarded. „Asa and Hakan in Latvia” reached 3rd place in the category of films of less than 30 minutes lenght. The film resulted from a cooperation between the National Agency for Tourism Development and the production company "Vides filmu studija".
Lectures on Baltic cinematography [05 Oct 2011]
On 5 October started the course "Baltic cinematography" at the Charles University in Prague. The lectures will take place every Wednesday at 1 pm at the premises of the Rumanian Cultural Institute (Anglicka street no. 2).
The Latvian Embassy takes part in the European Day of Languages Celebration [26 Sep 2011]
Every year September 26 marks the European Day of Languages, which aims to draw attention to the diversity of languges spoken in Europe. This year in Prague in the culture and language institutes (Goethe Institute, British Council, the Romanian Cultural Centre, the Latvian Culture Center, and others) organized activities dedicated to their language.
Embassy of Latvia hosts several events to celebrate 20th anniversary of renewal of diplomatic relations with the Czech Republic [12 Sep 2011]
On September 9th, 2011 Latvia marks 20 years since the joint Declaration on the restoration of diplomatic relations with the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic was signed. With this Declaration the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic recognized the restoration of Latvian independence. (in 1991 Czech and Slovak Republic were one country, they split on January 1, 1993). The Declaration was signed in Tallinn by the Latvian First Deputy Foreign Minister Mārtiņš Virsis and the Czech Foreign Minister Jiří Dienstbier.
Latvian artists visit Prague within the framework of an international art project [06 Sep 2011]
On September 5th artists from Latvia took part at the opening ceremony of the international exhibition „Utopias on the Verge of Commonness” that was held at the National Gallery in Prague. Daina Dagnija, Miķelis Fišers, Tatjana Krivenkova, Zaiga Putrāma and Aija Zariņa joined the opening ceremony, as well as Māra Lāce, director of the Latvian National Museum of Art (LNMA), Elita Ansone, head of the LNMA exhibition hall „Arsenāls” and Kaspars Ozoliņš, Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the Czech Republic.
Embassy of Latvia received a Latvian folklore group [01 Aug 2011]
On July 29.-30. the international festival Prague folklore days took place in Prague. This year the Latvian folklore group Ūzuļeņi from Ozolmuiža district of the Rēzekne region took part at the festival and visitied the Embassy of Latvia in Prague. Ūzuļeņi cheered up the Embassy’s garden with Latgalian traditional songs and dances.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs encourages the Latvian nationals outside Latvia to take an active part in the Referendum [19 Jul 2011]
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs encourages the Latvian nationals residing abroad and the Latvian nationals who will be outside Latvia on 23 July for any reasons to actively use the polling stations abroad and voice their will in the Referendum.
Ambassador K.Ozoliņš congratulates Latvian paralympic athletes on victory at the European Youth Games for Disabled in Brno [02 Jul 2011]
On 2 July at the Closing ceremony of the European Youth Games for Disabled Ambassador Kaspars Ozoliņš met the Latvian paralympic athletes and congratulated on their victory. The paralympic representatives from Latvia Edgars Kļaviņš and Elīze Strazdiņa won three honorary awards in disciplines of athletics, which meets the standards for the Paralympic Games in London.
Embassy of Latvia gives a presentation on Vestards Šimkus and „Latvijas koncerti” [29 Jun 2011]
On June 29 the Embassy of Latvia in Prague in cooperation with the Latvian state agency „Latvijas koncerti” and Prague City will give a presentation on Latvian Professional music. The presentation is designated for organizers of Czech music festivals, music agencies and symphony orchestras.
A Joint Celebration of National Days of the Embassies of Baltic and Nordic States took place in Prague [17 Jun 2011]
This year for the fourth time already a joint celebration of national days of the embassies of Baltic and Nordic countries took place in Prague. During the four years the joint celebration became a recognized and requested component of the diplomatic life in Prague. Given the fact celebrations of Midsummer day are common to Baltic and Nordic countries, a date close to summer solstice is chosen for the joint celebration. This year the celebration of the Embassies of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and the Honorary consulate of Island took place on June 13th at the Kampa Museum.
Ambassador of Latvia visits Pilsen [13 Jun 2011]
On Tuesday, June 7 the Ambassador of Latvia to the Czech Republic, Kaspars Ozoliņš, visited Pilsen. During the official visit Mr. Ozoliņš met Governor of Pilsen County Mr. Milan Chovanec and his deputies, the Deputy Mayors of the City of Pilsen Mrs. Eva Herinková and Mr. Peter Rund, and the directors of project Pilsen 2015 Mrs. Ivona Kreuzmannová and Mr. Milan Svoboda. The Ambassador also visited Škoda Transportation company and the Pilsner Urquell Brewery.
Ambassador of Latvia will open an exhibition on Art Nouveau of Riga in Prague [01 Jun 2011]
On 2 June, the Ambassador of Latvia to the Czech Republic Kaspars Ozoliņš will open the exhibition "Art Nouveau Architecture of Riga" at the Information centre of the Prague City Development Authorities. The exhibition is organized in cooperation of the Embassy of Latvia and Prague City. The visitors will have an opportunity to look at the exhibition of photographs arranged by professor Dr. habil. arch. Jānis Krastiņš of the Riga Technical University.
Latvian State Archive looks back on Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 60 years of service [12 May 2011]
This month marks the 60th anniversary of Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty and on this occasion several events are organized in Prague. Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty broadcasting in Eastern Europe, Latvian State Archive has gathered information about Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty activities, Latvian section and Soviet Union’s actions to disrupt Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty operation.
Results of Europe Day’s quiz about Latvia [12 May 2011]
As announced earlier, on 9 May the Latvian Embassy took part in the celebrations of Europe Day in Prague, held in Old Town Square. In the Latvian booth the public had an opportunity to test their knowledge about Latvia. The winners of the quiz are now announced on the website of the Embassy.
Ambassador to Czech Republic will open an exhibition in Plzen on Riga’s Art Nouveau architecture [06 May 2011]
On 10 May, the Ambassador Kaspars Ozoliņš will open the exhibition "Art Nouveau in architecture of Riga” to be held in Plzen business centre "Avalon". The Embassy in Czech Republic launches the exhibition in Plzen in co-operation with the Plzen – European Capital of Culture 2015 team. The exhibition is prepared by Riga municipal agency "Riga City Architect's Office" and the exhibition curator is professor at the Riga Technical University, Jānis Krastiņš.
Embassy participates in the celebrations of Europe Day in Prague [06 May 2011]
On 9 May the Embassy of Latvia will take part in the celebrations of Europe Day in Prague organised upon the initiative of the European Commission Representation in the Czech Republic. The Embassy of Latvia will acquaint the public with Latvia. The celebrations of Europe Day will take place in the heart of Prague – the Old Town Square.
Latvian animation films screened in the Czech Republic under the auspices of the Embassy of Latvia [26 Apr 2011]
From 26 April to 1 May 10th international animation film festival AniFest will be held in Teplice, Czech Republic within which an important role is devoted to Latvian animation films. Spectators can follow two sets of Latvian animation films
The Latvian army went through painful reforms. Today the army is healthier and more efficient [22 Apr 2011]
In 2007 Latvia had the fastest growing economy in Europe. Just two years later the country was facing an impending state bankruptcy. The army too was affected by a serious crisis. „We considered it an opportunity to create a system that will be healthier and will operate more skillfully than the previous one
Latvian film “Medības” shown in Czech Republic [14 Apr 2011]
18th European Film Days will be held from 14 to 28 April in Prague and Brno. The film festival is organized by the European embassies and cultural institutions with a seat in Prague, thus also Embassy of Latvia participates. The festival programme includes nearly 40 films that have been shot in last two years and have been awarded at national film festivals or shortlisted for Oscar nomination in foreign language film category
Ambassador of Latvia presents credentials to the President of Croatia [12 Apr 2011]
On 12 April, the Ambassador of Latvia to the Republic of Croatia Kaspars Ozoliņš presented his credentials to the President of the Republic of Croatia Ivo Josipović. Kaspars Ozoliņš is the Ambassador of Latvia to the Czech Republic with residence in Prague
Foreign Minister meets with Speaker of Chamber of Deputies of Czech Parliament [11 Apr 2011]
Both countries enjoy excellent and pragmatic relations and their co-operation at the political, economic and cultural level is very dynamic and promising, the Foreign Minister of Latvia Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis and the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Ms Miroslava Němcová agreed during a meeting on 11 April.
Embassy in Prague will open several cultural events [29 Mar 2011]
On 31st March, the Ambassador Kaspars Ozoliņš will open the exhibition "Art Nouveau in architecture of Riga” to be held in Brno municipality house. The exhibition "Art Nouveau in architecture of Riga” is prepared by Riga municipal agency "Riga City Architect's Office" and the exhibition curator is professor at the Riga Technical University, Jānis Krastiņš. Earlier this month the exhibition was held in Liberec
Ambassador Kaspars Ozoliņš will deliver a lecture at the Charles University in Prague [21 Mar 2011]
On 21st March, the Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the Czech Republic Kaspars Ozoliņš will deliver a lecture to the students of Institute of International Studies of the Charles University in Prague. The Ambassador will acquaint the young audience with the priorities of Latvia’s Foreign Policy, inter alia with Latvia’s view on the topical issues within the European Union and Latvian-Czech relations.
Ģ.V.Kristovskis: We highly value readiness by Czech Republic to represent Latvia in issuing Schengen visas [07 Mar 2011]
"Both countries – Latvia and the Czech Republic are linked not only by common historical aspirations but also by an active political dialogue of the day witnesses by an intensive exchange of visits," Foreign Ministers Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis and Karel Schwarzenberg agreed during their meeting today. The ministers emphasised that both countries are seeking new opportunities for their expanding bilateral co-operation, a good example of which is co-operation on consular matters
