Ambassador of Ireland to Latvia

Fáilte – Sveiki – Welcome.

It is a great honour to represent Ireland in Latvia and to lead the Embassy here in Riga. Though the Baltic Sea separates us geographically, Ireland and Latvia have deep connections and these are lived and strengthened every day by the people who link our two societies. Many Latvians have chosen Ireland as their home, bringing with them their culture and traditions, enriching Irish life in countless ways. Irish people in Latvia, though fewer in number, play their part too – in education, in research, in business, in the cultural sphere.

Ireland and Latvia are close partners in many spheres, a co-operation that is based on shared principles and shared values. By working together, we strengthen both our countries and the communities we serve. As Latvia takes up it seat on the UN Security Council a role Ireland recently had the privilege to hold, we know well the responsibilities and opportunities that come with that mandate, and Ireland will support Latvia in advancing peace, gender equality, human rights, and multilateral cooperation during its term. Likewise, Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union will provide us with further opportunities to work closely with Latvia in shaping a secure, prosperous, and forward-looking Europe.

The Embassy here in Riga exists to be a point of contact – for Irish people in Latvia, for Latvians with ties to Ireland, and for anyone interested in the friendship between our two countries. Whether you are seeking practical assistance, information, or simply wish to connect, I hope you will see this Embassy as open and welcoming.

I look forward to working on deepening the bonds of friendship between Ireland and Latvia, and to celebrating all that unites us.

Marcella Smyth is Ireland's Ambassador to Latvia. Prior to this role, Ms. Smyth served as Consul General to the South Western United States. Ms. Smyth served previously as Deputy Director for International Security Policy in Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with a focus on UN peacekeeping, Responsibility to Protect and protection of civilians, amongst other issues. Previously, Ms. Smyth was posted to Ireland’s Permanent Representation to the European Union where she served as press spokesperson. Ms. Smyth has also served in Ireland’s Embassy to Belgium as Deputy Head of Mission and then as Chargé d’Affaires. Ms. Smyth’s work within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has also seen in her in the roles of Deputy Director, Programme Countries, Development Cooperation Division, and as Deputy Head of Mission to Ireland’s Embassy to Canada. Ms. Smyth has also previously combined this work with her role as lecturer on social policy in the Institute of Public Administration.

Ms. Smyth holds a BA in social science as well as a Masters in Social Policy and a Masters in Strategic Studies.