Meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to Ukraine
OCTOBER 29, 2014 – An Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to Ukraine, Arhita Daudze visited IFNUL and met with Rector of the University. The Honorary Consul of the Republic of Latvia, Mr. Volodymyr Hartsula, Vice-Rector for International Relations, Prof. Mariya Zubrytska and film crew, that is working on a documentary “Ukrainian conversations” attended the meeting.
During the meeting the sides discussed possible aspects of academic cooperation, in particular establishing of sustainable links between IFNUL and higher education institutions in Latvia. Arhita Daudze proposed University Administration Academic Exchange a project «European Studies for Students of Ukrainian Universities», providing training and sharing of fundamental values, knowledge and experience in order to use them in their native country. As it was mentioned by the Ambassador, such activities will increase intercultural communication between both countries and improve understanding of European development processes. Faculty of Political and Social Science of University of Latvia is responsible for realization of the project. Program Coordinators are Professor, Zhaneta Ozolinaand Professor, Dean of the Faculty of Political Science, Iveta Reynhold. During the project, 15-20 bachelor degree students specializing in Humanity studies (political science, sociology, economics, international relations) will improve their understanding of political, legal and humanitarian aspects of European Union when studying at the Universities of Latvia. Three Ukrainian universitieswere invited to take part in the project: IFNUL, Dnipropetrovsk National University and Odesa National University.
IFNUL has always promoted Ukrainian-Latvian cooperation. In March 2010 with the assistance of the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia to Ukraine and the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Latvia in Ukraine, a Center for Baltic Studies courses of Lettish language were established at the Faculty of International Relations. Thus, our students have the opportunity to learn more about history, culture, folklore, language, and literature of Latvia. The same year, a cooperation agreement between the Faculty of International Relations of IFNUL and the Faculty of Humanity Studies of the University of Latvia was signed. In autumn 2011, Ukrainian students within the framework of their practice visited Latvia. In April 2012 photo-exhibition “Latvian way to Independence” (documentary and historical narration with photographs of the events that led to the independence of this Baltic state in the end of the last century) was presented. During September-October 2012, the Days of Latvia were celebrated in Lviv with the assistance of Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in Ukraine, Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Latvia in Lviv and Lviv City Council.