Welcome to the Consulate General of The Republic of Latvia to Lebanon

The Consulate General of Latvia in Beirut represents the Republic of Latvia in Lebanon and covers the 5 Boroughs of Beirut, Zahle, North of Lebanon, the South of Lebanon, and the Mont Lebanon. Its broad mission is to promote Latvian interests in Lebanon and to provide assistance to Latvians visiting Lebanon and residents. The Consulate seeks to assist in fostering broader knowledge in Lebanon about Latvia and to facilitate increased business, educational, and cultural relations between Lebanon and Latvia - one of the European Union's fastest growing and historically and culturally interesting nations.

Things you should know about Riga

• Riga is the largest city in the three Baltic States
• There are three major ports in Latvia - Liepaja, Riga and Ventspils, as well as seven smaller ports - Skulte, Mersrags, Salacgriva, Pavilosta, Roja, Lielupe and Engure, which are situated along the entire coastline of Latvia.
• Riga is Europe's capital of art nouveau architecture
• Riga is one of the greenest city in the region
• Historic center in Riga is included in the UNESCO world heritage list
• Riga , ranked as the best large European city for cost effectiveness by FDI Magazine

Largest cities or towns of Latvia
Riga	Rank	Name	Pop.	Liepāja
	1	Riga	705,703
	2	Daugavpils	103,053
	3	Liepāja	83,884
	4	Jelgava	64,748
	5	Jūrmala	56,147
Daugavpils	6	Ventspils	42,657	Jelgava
	7	Rēzekne	34,912
	8	Valmiera	27,217
	9	Jēkabpils	26,378
	10	Ogre	26,167

Latvian News 30-5-2017

• Allied troops continue arriving in Latvia for military exercises Saber Strike international military exercises in Europe will be taking place throughout 3 ? 15 June. Allied troops and military vehicles continue arriving in Latvia. Because of that, there may be temporary traffic congestions on roads, as reported by Defence Ministry. Airport, railway and port infrastructure is used to deliver vehicles and support units to the country. Latvia is the host country for this year?s joint land and air forces exercises. More than 2,000 troops from Latvia, Lithuania, Italy, Norway, UK, Poland and Slovakia, as well as USA will be taking part in exercises. The ministry emphasizes that exercises will help improve cooperation among member states, their forces? combat capabilities and mobility within the region. With military exercises continuing in Latvia and other Baltic States, National Armed Forces remind that Latvia and allied armoured vehicles may be seen passing on state roads. Defence Ministry also notes that military convoys are escorted by Military Police and State Police. Residents are asked to keep a safe distance away from military convoys and avoid obstructing their path.
• Discussions take place about the need to differentiate planned «healthcare fees» An equal fixed payment rate for healthcare may not be the best solution, believes Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis. Coalition partners agree with the prime minister. They believe such a payment should be differentiated if it ever introduced. The prime minister told journalists after the 29 May coalition meeting that EUR 20 a month for mandatory healthcare insurance is a proposal from employers and trade unions. However, an agreement on this has yet to be reached. Meetings of the healthcare work group will be organized in the future, as will meetings of coalition parties. Kucinskis notes ? it is positive that this matter is discussed. However, it is not the best solution, as it does not secure progressiveness. On top of that, Latvian people?s income level varies greatly. At the same time, the prime minister says one solution could be securing mandatory health insurance and tying it to the payment of taxes. It is also clear that external funding is required for healthcare because there are no internal reserves left. Division of funding alone is not enough to increase funding for healthcare, said Kucinskis, adding that «someone will have to pay either way». Unity?s deputy chairman Edvards Smiltens says a fixed amount for all residents would not be a reasonable solution, because one of the tax reform?s objectives is reducing inequality. This is why it is necessary to look at all scenarios and pick one that would benefits society and the budget the most. Environmental Protection and Regional Development Minister Rihards Kozlovskis also believes residents? income level range between very low to very high. Introduction of such a payment would be too heavy for most. This is why he proposes considering progressiveness principle.
• State Audit elected in European Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions board Latvia?s State Audit has been elected in the board of European Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions. This makes it one of eight board members for the next six years. SA representatives told BNN that this mandate was acquired in steep competition, with 50 EUROSAI member states? supreme audit institutions voting in a closed vote in two stages. State Auditor Elita Krumina: «Although our new duties will ensure a bigger burden of responsibility, I am satisfied about our foreign partners? evaluation of the quality of our work. The vote proves that we have become an internationally recognized, modern audit institution that can offer professional contribution on an international level.» For SA this will be an opportunity to actualize Latvia?s matters for the work of European Supreme Audit Institutions, participate in the management of future training of auditors and improvement of audit standards. «Support for colleagues of countries that are only on their way towards the creation of a modern audit institution will be a no less important duty for us,» comments SA.