Antony Stokes LVO, Charge d' Affaires, British Embassy Riga:

"Sadly, Richard Moon left Riga earlier than planned. I was lucky to be given the chance to step into Richard's shoes as Charge d' Affaires until April 2010.

It is a pleasure to be in Riga. The British Embassy here has a full, exciting agenda. The friendship between Latvia and Britain has deep roots and is flourishing in many ways. But our engagement is also coloured by the severe impact of the global economic crisis. I want to work with the Latvian Government in ways which will respond constructively to that difficult environment and which will help bring back confidence in the Latvian economy.

That is our principal challenge. We are following closely the Latvian Government's efforts to manage the nation's finances effectively and carry out meaningful restructuring. We are sharing experience and expertise. Latvia is still a great place for many companies to do business: we are fostering trade and investment. Through our consular and visa work, and alongside the British Council, we are supporting tourism and cultural links. We have devoted time and energy to the climate change agenda, which will also bring economic and development opportunities here.

The Embassy team is small, but professional and committed. I am proud to lead this team, and to work in Latvia on behalf of Britain."