Latvia’s next ambassador to Germany has received his letter of accreditation from President Valdis Zatlers, the president’s press office announced Aug. 18.

Ilgvars Kļava replaces Mārtiņš Virsis, who served as Latvia’s chief diplomat in Berlin since September 2002. Kļava has been assistant state secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In Kļava’s meeting with Zatlers, the two discussed German and Latvian relations in the areas of economics, culture and education, including the Essentia Baltica culture festival that continues in Germany through the year. They also discussed the situation in Georgia.

Virsis, according the foreign ministry, will now be the ministry’s inspector general.