Ulf Schenkmanis, one of Latvia’s five honorary consuls in Sweden, died Sept. 7, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced. Schenkmanis, a journalist and writer, was based in Karlstad (Varmland Lan), Sweden.

He was named an honorary consul in February 2003.

Schenkmanis, 70, had recently undergone treatment for cancer, according to the daily newspaper Aftonbladet.

Schenkmanis worked as a radio and television producer for more than 40 years. He also was the author of a series of travel guides. According to the ministry, Schenkmanis was planning the 18th guide in the series to be about Latvia.

Varmland Lan is in west central Sweden.