Ambassador Christopher Robinson Thursday, June 29, 2023 U.S. Embassy in Latvia Dārgie draugi, laipni lūdzam! Paldies, ka atnācāt, lai kopā ar mums nosvinētu mūsu Neatkarības dienu! [Dear friends, welcome! Thank you for coming to celebrate our Independence Day with us!] Good afternoon ministers and excellencies, distinguished guests, friends. Donka and I are honored to …
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To mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), the U.S. Embassy in Riga raised the rainbow Progress Pride flag today at a ceremony that included representatives from the Latvian government, diplomatic community, and civil society. “The United States stands with the LGBTQI+ community around the world and remains committed to equality for …
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On Tuesday, May 2, U.S. Ambassador Christopher Robinson presented the Latvian government with 24 refrigerators and 24 washers. State Fire and Rescue Service Chief Colonel Mārtiņš Baltmanis and eight Latvian municipalities accepted the donation. The U.S. Embassy Office of Defense Cooperation worked with the Latvian State Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), the lead governmental agency …
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Riga, August 5, 2022 – On August 4, U.S. Ambassador to Latvia John Carwile, Latvian Air Force Lt. Col. Viesturs Masulis and Under Secretary of State for Logistics Latvian Ministry of Defense Mārtiņš Paškēvičs participated in an official unveiling ceremony for a U.S.-funded Fire Station at the Lielvārde Air Force Base. Construction of the $2 …
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Ambassador John Carwile July 6, 2022 Good afternoon ministers and excellencies, distinguished guests, friends. Karin and I welcome you to our celebration of America’s 246th Independence Day. It’s been two years since we last gathered – and in much smaller numbers – outside the American Embassy, and I’m glad that we can enjoy a more …
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Official Trivia Contest Rules Social media contest to win invites for a concert of U.S. musician Clark Beckham at the Rīgas Ritmi Festival. Contest Sponsors «Social media contest to win invites for a U.S. musician Clark Beckham at the Rīgas Ritmi Festival » is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, «Embassy Riga, Latvia» and Rīgas …
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Riga, June 10, 2022 – U.S. Ambassador to Latvia John Carwile took part in the opening event for a new U.S. Embassy-supported exhibition at the Latvian Museum of Occupation: “The USA: A Safe Haven when the Homeland is Occupied, 1940-1991.” The exhibition is part of the Embassy’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of U.S.-Latvia diplomatic …
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Riga, May 17, 2022 – To mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB), the U.S. Embassy in Riga raised the rainbow flag today. Representatives from the Saeima, diplomatic community, and Latvian civil society joined Ambassador Carwile for the flag-raising ceremony. “I am proud to continue the Embassy’s tradition of gathering allies and …
Read More» Riga, May 3, 2022 – The United States Embassy in Riga is proud to support the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Soldiers’ Chorus concerts in Lielvārde Culture Center on May 7 at 12:00 pm and in Ādaži Culture Center on May 8 at 12:00 pm. Both concerts are open to the public and free of …
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On Tuesday, November 16, U.S. Ambassador John Carwile presented the Latvian State Emergency Medical Service with eight mobile mechanical lung ventilators. The U.S. Embassy Office of Defense Cooperation worked with the Latvian Ministry of Health and State Emergency Medical Service (SEMS) to implement the project. The donation, totaling $216,000, was funded by the U.S. European …
Read More» U.S. Ambassador John Carwile, Chairman of Kandava and Parish Union Jānis Mazitāns, representatives of State Emergency Medical Service (SEMS), representatives of U.S. European Command and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate completion of the cooperation project between the U.S. and the Latvian State Emergency Medical Service (SEMS) on Wednesday, …
Read More» Ambassador John Carwile Saturday, September 11, 2021, 15:32, Three Minutes Foreign Minister Rinkēvičs, Defense Minister Pabriks, Mayor Staķis, and honored guests. On behalf of the United States of America, I would like to express our gratitude for your presence at this twentieth anniversary commemoration of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Twenty years ago on this …
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Riga, May 17, 2021 – To mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB), the U.S. Embassy in Riga is flying the rainbow flag today. Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkēvičs joined Chargé d’Affaires Ruta Elvikis for the small outdoor flag-raising ceremony, along with representatives from the Saeima, civil society, and the diplomatic …
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On Friday, March 19, U.S. Ambassador John Carwile presented the Latvian government with two single-patient isolation and transport systems. Minister of Health Daniels Pavļuts accepted the donation on behalf of the Latvian government. The U.S. Embassy Office of Defense Cooperation worked with the Latvian Ministry of Health and State Emergency Medical Service (SEMS) to implement …
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Hello all avid readers. Each February, the U.S. recognizes and celebrates Black History Month, as does the US Embassy of Latvia with a chance for eight of our social media followers to receive a copy of Between the World and Me, by Ta-Nehisi Coates. What is in it for you? A free hard cover copy of Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, yours to keep, …
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January 20, 2021 THE PRESIDENT: Chief Justice Roberts, Vice President Harris, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Vice President Pence, distinguished guests, and my fellow Americans. This is America’s day. This is democracy’s day. A day of history and hope. Of renewal and resolve. Through a crucible for the ages America has been tested anew …
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On January 13, 1991, tens of thousands of Latvians peacefully took to the streets of Riga to erect barricades and defend Latvia’s fledgling independent, democratic institutions in the face of threats from Soviet forces. Seven Latvians lost their lives during the tense two-week standoff, but the Soviets failed to intimidate the defenders and ultimately withdrew …
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On December 9, 2020 to mark International Anti-Corruption Day, U.S. Ambassador to Latvia John Carwile joined President of Latvia Egils Levits, several Latvian state officials, other ambassadors, and a Latvian civil society representative in a video message emphasizing how corruption undermines sovereignty and security. The video also emphasizes the importance of allies working together to …
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On November 25, 2020, Ambassador Carwile, together with Latvian Minister of Defense Artis Pabriks, and Chief of Defense Lieutenant General Leonīds Kalniņš participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly-built Special Operations Unit base in Riga. U.S. European Command (EUCOM) European Defense Initiative provided 3.7 million USD for the project. The new infrastructure, which includes …
Read More» November 18, 2020 – “On behalf of the United States of America, I send congratulations to the Latvian people as you celebrate the 102nd anniversary of your independence. The United States and Latvia enjoy a strong bond based on our shared values and commitment to defending our liberty and freedom as NATO Allies. Thank you …
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VOTING IS NOW EASIER THAN EVER BEFORE Now all U.S. citizens can receive their blank ballots electronically. Depending on the state in which you are eligible to vote, you may get your ballot by email, fax, or internet download. To start, go to www.FVAP.gov to complete a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), print and …
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Ambassador John Carwile July 2, 2020 Riga Good afternoon ministers and excellences, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the United States Embassy’s celebration of America’s 244th Independence Day. This has been an unusual year – and we still have another six months to go. When our team discussed whether to hold a reception this …
Read More» Riga, June 15, 2020–The U.S. Air Force plans to conduct a training mission on Jun 15, 2020, over the Riga airport. The U.S. routinely and visibly demonstrates commitment to our Allies and partners through the global employment of our military forces. Training together with NATO Allies enhances not only the readiness of U.S. forces, but …
Read More» Riga, June 12, 2020 — U.S. Ambassador John Carwile presented the Latvian Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Health with two tranches of COVID-19 test-kits and associated lab equipment, supporting 4,000 tests. The United States’ contribution (approximately $200,000) to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) solidarity fund financed the tests, which will bolster Latvia’s …
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Riga, June 1, 2020 — U.S. Ambassador John Carwile presented the Latvian Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health with one thousand liters of hand sanitizers produced by the Latvian company AS Spodrība and 22,500 pairs of non-sterile disposable gloves on May 30. Minister of Health Ilze Viņķele and Ministry of Education and Science …
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The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce a series of video contests to showcase Latvia’s creativity during this period of social distancing and to highlight the best in U.S.—Latvian relations. We invite you to use creativity, imagination, and any compatible online media (video, photo, art, etc..) to produce a vision of the Riga skyline a …
Read More» Hello all avid readers. Looking for a good post Halloween read as the days get darker and colder from America’s most prolific scary story teller – Stephen King. His latest book, The Institute, is out and we have 8 copies to hand out to social media followers, and an opportunity to discuss the book with …
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Riga, September 18, 2019 – The United States Embassy in Riga is proud to support the photography exhibit “My America 2,” a retrospective of U.S. culture and life by noted photographer and writer Gordon F. Sander. U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Paul Poletes will participate in the exhibition opening. The exhibit will be on display in …
Read More» Hello all avid readers. Apologies for a prolonged hiatus, but the book club is back with ZUCKED, by Roger McNamee. This controversial book has raised quite a few eyebrows and as social media continues to evolve and influence our lives, it’s probably worth taking a critical look/read. An erudite friend of the Embassy, 20 year …
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Riga, June 13, 2019 – Today, Nancy Pettit, United States Ambassador to Latvia, will honor this year’s exchange program recipients for the Fulbright, Humphrey, Benjamin Franklin fellowships, and The Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA), as well as the Studies of the United States Institute (SUSI), Baltic American Freedom Foundation Fellowships. Fulbright fellowships are being …
Read More» Hello all avid readers. As we near the end of this patriotic month for Latvia, the book we have on offer is by Pulitzer Prize winning author C.J. Chivers – The Fighters. This book, coupled with guest speaker Commander of the Latvian Land Forces, Colonel Ilmārs Atis Lejiņš, who has front line experience wherever Latvian …
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Riga, November 1, 2018 – The United States Embassy in Latvia is pleased to announce the opening of an exhibit titled “Celebrating the Centennials of Baltic Independence and U.S.-Baltic Relations.” The exhibit will be displayed at the National Library of Latvia’s atrium (Mūkusalas street 3, 1st floor) on November 1. The exhibit will be open …
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Rīga, 03/23/2018 – The United States Embassy in Latvia is proud to announce the opening of the “From Coast to Coast – U.S. National Parks” photo exhibition by Latvian photographer Adelīna Darviņa at the Preiļi Library, Kārsavas street 4, Preiļi, on Tuesday, April 10 at 12:00 a.m. Photographer Adelīna Darviņa and U.S. Embassy Riga Assistant …
Read More» Hello all avid readers. Books Are Still Cool has something special for April. American Latvian author Ināra Vērzemniece, and non-fiction creative writing assistant professor at the University of Iowa, will herself join the post read discussion via Skype. Her book, Among the Living and the Dead, has been critically acclaimed by the New York Times …
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Riga, January 10, 2018 – The United States Embassy in Latvia is proud to announce the opening of the “Where the Great Smoke Rises – Art inspired by Latvian folksongs” multi-media art exhibit by Florida artist Deborah La Grasse at the Talsi museum exhibition hall, January 11, at 4:00 p.m. U.S. Embassy Riga Deputy Chief …
Read More» Books Are Still Cool has a first ever – this month’s book’s author himself will host the book discussion!!! Jon A. Logan, author of Why Me? Why Not Me!, is presently serving with the US armed forces in Latvia at Lielvārde. About the book: “Decades of poor choices, dealing with tragedy, substance abuse, professional and …
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Riga, November 27, 2017 – The United States Embassy in Latvia is proud to announce the opening of the “From Coast to Coast – U.S. National Parks” photo exhibition by Latvian photographer Adelīna Darviņa at the Rēzekne Academy of Technologies (RTA), Atbrīvošanas aleja 115 , Rēzekne on Tuesday, November 28 at 1:00 p.m. Photographer Adelīna Darviņa and U.S. …
Read More» Hello all avid readers. We have a nostalgic delicacy for you this April!! Mastering the Art of Soviet Cooking – A Memoir of Food and Longing by Anya Von Bremzen. The title says a lot, but not all. This fine book is the favorite recent read of Dr. Robert Kellerman, who is an associate professor …
Read More» Hello all avid readers. March is Women’s History Month and hence, we have chosen a Pulitzer Prize winning novel written by America’s first female recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature. Pearl Buck’s The Good Earth!!! This is our guest speaker’s favorite book of all time and he is ready to share his insights and …
Read More» Hello all avid readers. Hello all avid readers. Isn’t this the perfect weather for cozying up with a good book? November’s book was chosen by Member of the Saeima Atis Lejiņš who will also be our guest speaker. An adventurous person who twice travelled to Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion to seek out captured Latvian …
Read More» Hello all avid readers. We are back with one book for this Olympic summer!!! What at first seemed like an ideal location, Rio, is now beset with troubles and controversy. We thought an appropriate book would take a look back at another Olympiad beset with controversy; hence, this summer’s book is Nazi Games – The …
Read More» Hello avid readers. It’s November and once again it’s time to focus on entrepreneurship. During November the U.S. State Department celebrates Global Entrepreneurship Week and our Embassy is organizing a host of activities including our monthly book club. This month’s award winning book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change …
Read More» Are you a recent entrepreneur, or looking to take your business beyond Latvia? In celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week, the U.S. Embassy will hold our second-ever Entrepreneurship Seminar on Wednesday, November 4. We plan to bring together top local and U.S. businesspeople and thinkers on entrepreneurship and innovation for a half-day event for promising Latvian …
Read More» Hello all avid readers. After the summer break (and some of the autumn as well) Books Are Still Cool is back. But the best news is that our book club now has a space to call home – The John F. Kennedy reading room on the 3rd floor of the Latvian National Library with an …
Read More» Hello all avid readers. For the summer book and in celebration of EuroPride presently taking place in Riga, we have chosen The Price of Salt by renowned American psychological thriller author Patricia Highsmith. The post-reading discussion guest will be Rita Ruduša, a seasoned Latvian journalist, author of Forced Underground, a book about the lives of …
Read More» Hello all avid readers. For the months of April and May we have a real treat to read – Henry Kissinger’s World Order, “which brings together history, geography and modern politics in considering how to balance the competing desires of nations.” (New York Times book review) And, who better as our special guest for the …
Read More» Hello all avid readers. For the month to March, which is Women’s History Month, we have the 2014 Pulitzer Prize winning biography on offer –Margaret Fuller: A New American Life, written by the multiple awards winning author of The Peabody Sisters, this book “Delivers a lovely and bumpy coming-of-age story, one of the best such …
Read More» Hello all avid readers. We have a fantastic book on offer for February, which is also Black History Month.Death of a King – New York Times bestselling author and award-winning broadcaster Tavis Smiley recounts the final 365 days of King’s life, revealing the minister’s trials and tribulations. The post-reading discussion will be hosted by Assistant …
Read More» Hello all avid readers. We have a great books for January – BUSTED – A Tale of Corruption and Betrayal in the City of Brotherly Love, by Pulitzer Prize winners Wendy Ruderman and Barbara Laker. Lisa Scottline wrote of the book, “Busted reads like a turbocharged thriller, and the more compelling because it’s true.” We …
Read More» Hello avid readers. It’s November and once again it’s time to focus on entrepreneurship. During November the U.S. State Department celebrates Global Entrepreneurship Week and our Embassy is organizing a host of activities including our monthly book club. This month’s award winning book, Big Bang Disruption – Business Survival in the Age of Constant Innovation, …
Read More» CALLING ALL ENTREPRENEURS! October 28, 2014 Are you a recent entrepreneur, or looking to take your business beyond Latvia? In celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week, the U.S. Embassy will become a “business incubator for a day” and host an Entrepreneurship Seminar on Thursday, November 13. Top local and U.S. businesspeople and thinkers on entrepreneurship and …
Read More» The summer is almost over and the balmy weather is turning towards the cooler side – perhaps it’s time for a good book? Luckily BOOKS ARE STILL COOL is back from summer break to offer you a New York Times bestseller & this club’s first Pulitzer Prize willing book! This book will take us to …
Read More» Hello avid readers and this month also – lovers of good food! May’s book is the bestselling memoir by the New York a chef Marcus Samuelsson – Yes, Chef. If that doesn’t fill your plate, Riga’s own American-Latvian chef Kārlis Celms, and San Francisco’s Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts graduate, will host the …
Read More» Hello avid readers and this month also art lovers! April’s book is a biographic look at the American painter and draftsman Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988). This retrospect on Basquiat contains hundreds of high quality prints as well as interesting insights by those he shared his tumultuous eight years in the New York art scene – including …
Read More» April 29, 2014 THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Vice President Vice President Biden met today with Latvian Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma in the White House. The Vice President underscored the United States’ ironclad commitment to the collective defense of our NATO Allies under Article 5. Prime Minister Straujuma thanked the United States for its …
Read More» March 19, 2014 Presidential Palace Vilnius, Lithuania 1:20 P.M. (Local) PRESIDENT GRYBAUSKAITE: (As interpreted.) Good afternoon. So today we had an important meeting with U.S. Vice President Biden and Latvian President Berzins. With our partners, we discussed the situation in Ukraine and its impact on the security of the Baltic States and Europe as a …
Read More» John Kerry, U.S. Secretary of State International Women’s Day is more than a moment marked on a calendar. It is a day not just to renew our determination to make the world a more peaceful and prosperous place – but to recognize that a world where opportunities for women grow, is a world where the …
Read More» March 6, 2014 Claim: We need to return to the February 21 agreement, which the opposition failed to implement. Response: As part of the agreement, the Ukrainian Parliament (the Rada) passed a bill to return Ukraine to the 2004 Constitution. Under the terms of the agreement, Yanukovych had 24 hours to sign this legislation, after …
Read More» February 13, 2014 The U.S. Embassy nominates Iluta Lace, Director of the Marta Resource Center for Women, for the 2014 Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award. Iluta Lace has demonstrated exceptional courage in raising awareness and advocating for legal protections for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. Under Iluta’s leadership, a dedicated …
Read More» This month, we invite you, our social media followers, to take part in our monthly American reading experience BOOKS ARE STILL COOL! We have read some very interesting books in 2013, and many interesting books, including best sellers have been ordered up for 2014, so don’t be shy and sign up. This month’s book will …
Read More» Hello avid readers. For February, which is also Black History Month, Books Are Still Cool took a road trip to Daugavpils where we read Toni Morrison’s Pulitzer Prize winning Beloved. Our special guest and major fan of the book, George Steel e gave the reading group in Daugavpils deep insights into African-American culture. For March, …
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