The new head of the Consulate of the Republic of Latvia was introduced in Vitebsk

The former Consul Dagnija Lāce-Ate served in our regional center for 3.5 years. During this time, ties with Latvia have significantly strengthened. As the new head of the diplomatic mission Uģis Skujiņš assured, he is also committed to the further development of business and cultural relations between the two neighboring countries.

Mr. Skujiņš is heading a consulate for the first time; prior to this, he worked in Belgium, in Brussels, at the representation of Latvia in the European Union. His diplomatic experience spans over 12 years. He had previously been on business trips to Belarus and visited the city on the Daugava River, which he liked at first sight.

– When I was offered to work in Vitebsk, I agreed without hesitation. I have been here twice: in the early 2000s and about two years ago. I was amazed at how the city has changed, how well-maintained it has become, how much has been done recently, – said Uģis Skujiņš.

In a conversation with the consul, we asked what he plans to focus on in his activities.

– On contacts between the local governments of Latvian and Belarusian cities, as well as the development of cultural ties. Knowing that I would be working in Vitebsk, I was already thinking in Riga about which ensembles could be invited here. The first major event for me as consul will be the celebration of Latvia's Independence Day on November 18. It is planned that the Daugavpils local government will take an active part, – replied Mr. Skujiņš.

As it turned out, he is fond of music, sang in a choir since childhood, and would like to establish closer cooperation between ensembles from Latvia and the Vitebsk region. Perhaps it will be a joint celebration of choral music. The new consul also loves theater and has already become acquainted with the Kolasovsky troupe remotely, via the Internet. He assured that he would promote the exchange of creative groups.

The consulate is currently experiencing a busy period, as many people are planning trips abroad for the summer and early autumn. As you know, in Vitebsk, you can obtain visas not only for Latvia, but also for Poland, Spain, Estonia, France, the Netherlands, and Slovenia. Due to the requirement to submit biometric data (fingerprints), processing documents now takes more time. As Uģis Skujiņš explained, both consulate employees and clients are currently learning to work with the new equipment, which is why the queue of those wishing to obtain a Schengen visa is not moving as quickly as desired. However, there is a pre-registration system at the Visa Center of the official service provider for the Consulate of the Republic of Latvia in Vitebsk, "Pony Express."

"We are glad if the residents of the Vitebsk region travel to Latvia, to visit relatives, for business, or as tourists, and we strive to ensure that they do not experience significant inconvenience when obtaining a visa," said the Consul.

So far, his duties have not allowed him to become more closely acquainted with the northern capital of Belarus, but Uģis Skujiņš has already visited the Marc Chagall Museum, the Center for Contemporary Art, and attended the opening of an exhibition by Latvian artist Anna Peipina, who has Belarusian roots. In the near future, Mr. Skujiņš plans to get to know the Pridvinye region better and see the sights of the regional center.

Tatsiana Pasternak. Photos by Anton Stepanishchev, "Vitebskiye Vesti".