On 14 and 15 October, President Edgars Rinkēvičs will pay a working visit to Berlin to participate in the opening of the Latvia-Germany local government forum "Latvia-Germany Synergy: a driving force for digital transformation" and "Smart Country Convention 2024", the largest and most notable smart public administration exhibition in Germany.
On 14 October in Berlin, the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, together with the Federal Minister for Digital and Transport Volker Wissing and the Mayor of Bremen, Andreas Bovenschulte will open the Latvian-German local government forum. The Embassy of Latvia organises the event in cooperation with the Representation of the City of Bremen in Berlin. Ever since the restoration of Latvia's independence, Germany has supported Latvia on its path towards the EU and NATO, including through active and close cooperation at the municipal level. The forum aims to further develop mutual dialogue and exchange of experience, particularly regarding issues related to digitalisation of the public sector.
On 15 October, President Edgars Rinkēvičs and German Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser will open one of the largest public digitalisation events in Europe – the exhibition "Smart Country Convention 2024". Latvia has been selected as an official partner country to present its experience in implementing digital solutions in public administration, municipalities and state enterprises. More than 100 representatives from Latvian companies, scientific institutions, local and national authorities will attend the event.
During his working visit, President Rinkēvičs will also meet the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, to discuss bilateral cooperation, regional security and support for Ukraine in its fight against the aggressor.
The President of Latvia is also scheduled to meet with representatives of several defence and energy companies and to give interviews to the German media outlets.