Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Latvia Opened in Vinnytsia

Vinnytsia has experience in establishing successful relationships with communities around the world. Latvia is the third European country to open its consulate in our city. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to Ukraine Juris Poikāns submitted a proposal to open an Honorary Consulate in 2017 during a visit to Vinnytsia, noting the pace of economic development and leadership in Vinnytsia in various rankings. During his visit to Vinnytsia last year, the Ambassador reaffirmed his intention to open an Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Latvia in Vinnytsia, and stressed that this would significantly strengthen the city and region's ties with Latvia.

"I congratulate Vinnytsia and the people of Vinnytsia. This is the third diplomatic institution to open in Vinnytsia region. I am very glad that the international presence and the presence of the European Union are increasing in Vinnytsia. Why did we open a consulate in Vinnytsia? Firstly, Vinnytsia today is a dynamic region that is developing very fast. Secondly, I had the honor to attend the celebration of Europe Day in Vinnytsia, and it is the best in Ukraine. It was also one of the reasons we had our presence here. We are open to cooperation in any direction. Firstly, it is an exchange of experiences, which is interesting for both Vinnytsia and Latvia. Secondly, the economy: we have resumed the work of the Investment and Development Agency in Kyiv, our trade is growing, and now we need to go to the regions. A meeting has already taken place between the honorary consul and a representative of our agency. Now we will think about how to develop our ties in this direction. Cooperation in education is also very important, because schools and universities are our future. We do not have a language barrier, so I see great prospects here. We are also interested in cooperation in the field of culture," said Juris Poikāns during the opening of the Honorary Consulate.

The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Latvia in Vinnytsia and Vinnytsia Region was opened with the support of the Embassy of this state and with the assistance of Vinnytsia Mayor Serhii Morhunov.

"I would like to thank the Ambassador for the fact that really, when we talked about this topic in 2017, such an idea arose, and we consistently went to its implementation. I think this is just the beginning. We have a lot of serious joint work ahead of us to intensify economic, cultural and educational relations between the cities of Latvia and Vinnytsia, Vinnytsia region and the Republic of Latvia. It is very gratifying that Latvia, one of the three Baltic states that were the first to recognize Ukrainian independence, is now opening a consulate in Vinnytsia. This is the third consulate operating in Vinnytsia, we will work in this direction with other countries," said Serhii Morhunov. "It is important for us that relations with the Republic of Latvia do not stop at the exchange of delegations, but that they are constructive, practical relations between Latvian and Ukrainian business, in the field of education, organization of cultural events that can be held in Latvia and Vinnytsia. That is, the whole range of relationships that we can establish ourselves."

The ceremony was also attended by the Chairman of the Regional Council Viacheslav Sokolovyi and the Head of the Regional State Administration Serhii Borzov. "The Regional State Administration is also open to cooperation. I love Latvia very much. I hope that we will have an exchange not only of cultural delegations. Today is a symbolic day, because Ukraine is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and the Republic of Latvia, and we hope that the opening of the third Honorary Consulate in Vinnytsia will be another step towards Europe," said Serhii Borzov.

"In fact, for Vinnytsia and Vinnytsia region today's event is extremely important, because everything we create for friendship will always serve the good, development, strengthening and deepening of educational, cultural and scientific opportunities of our countries. I think that the Honorary Consul will have enough potential, diligence and enthusiasm not only to deepen and develop relations between Vinnytsia and Latvia, but also all the communities that are formed in our region due to decentralization. And everyone will benefit from today's event," Viacheslav Sokolovyi believed.