News / Africa
AUC Chairperson Receives Credentials of The First Permanent Observer of Latvia to AU
16 Jan 2012 at 05:10hrs | Views
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Dr. Jean Ping, received in his office at the AUC Headquarters in Addis Ababa, on Thursday 13 January 2012, the credentials of the first Permanent Observer of the Republic of Latvia to the African Union, H.E. Mr. Maris Selga.
Welcoming Ambassador Selga, the Chairperson said he was delighted to receive his credentials, adding that Latvia and Africa have several things in common, including a recent history of imperial domination.
"Africa has historically enjoyed excellent relations with the Nordic countries, which helped many African countries in their liberation struggle. Having relations with the AU gives you access to the whole continent, since Latvia does not yet have embassies in Africa, except in Egypt. It is a pleasure to welcome you and I look forward to seeing you during the Summit," Dr. Ping stated.
On his part, the Latvian diplomat said: "We are very happy that you have accepted our accreditation as a Permanent Observer to the African Union and hope that our Observer status will help us to get to know Africa better. We are a small country. We do not have many embassies around the world and only one in Africa. So we hope that you will be able to offer your good offices to us, if and when needed."
In Ambassador Maris Selga's accreditation letter, the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Girts Valdis Kristovski, praised the AU for its prominent role in securing regional stability, resolving conflict, acting as mediator in situations of "disaccord" and promoting regional integration and development.
The Chairperson and the Ambassador exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including relations between Africa and the European Union.
Latvia is one of the 27 Member States of European Union but does not use the Euro. Located in North Eastern Europe, the Republic of Latvia gained its independence in 1991, upon the disintegration of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). It is a multi-ethnic nation of about 2.3 million inhabitants.
Welcoming Ambassador Selga, the Chairperson said he was delighted to receive his credentials, adding that Latvia and Africa have several things in common, including a recent history of imperial domination.
"Africa has historically enjoyed excellent relations with the Nordic countries, which helped many African countries in their liberation struggle. Having relations with the AU gives you access to the whole continent, since Latvia does not yet have embassies in Africa, except in Egypt. It is a pleasure to welcome you and I look forward to seeing you during the Summit," Dr. Ping stated.
In Ambassador Maris Selga's accreditation letter, the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Girts Valdis Kristovski, praised the AU for its prominent role in securing regional stability, resolving conflict, acting as mediator in situations of "disaccord" and promoting regional integration and development.
The Chairperson and the Ambassador exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including relations between Africa and the European Union.
Latvia is one of the 27 Member States of European Union but does not use the Euro. Located in North Eastern Europe, the Republic of Latvia gained its independence in 1991, upon the disintegration of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). It is a multi-ethnic nation of about 2.3 million inhabitants.
Source - AUC | appablog.wordpress.com
