From 28 to 30 July, Her Excellency the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia Sam Mostyn and her spouse, His Excellency Simeon Beckett, will pay an official visit to the Republic of Latvia.
The President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs will welcome the Governor-General of Australia at Riga Castle on 29 July. During the meeting, the two sides are expected to discuss Latvia–Australia bilateral relations, opportunities for broader cooperation, and current geopolitical challenges, including continued support for Ukraine and progress toward a solution in the Middle East, regarding the full use of the Strait of Hormuz.
During the visit, the Governor-General of Australia and her spouse will also meet with the Speaker of the Saeima Daiga Mieriņa and the Prime Minister of Latvia Andris Kulbergs. They will also visit the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia and meet with Jānis Sārts, Director of the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence.
Note for the media!
Media representatives are invited to apply for accreditation to cover the visit no later than 12:00 on 27 July 2026 by e-mailing the Media Centre of the Chancery of the President of Latvia at prese@president.lv.
When attending the events listed in the media programme, media representatives are requested to observe formal dress code. A valid identity document – passport or ID card – must be presented upon arrival.
Media programme, 28 July
16.30 - The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia Sam Mostyn and her spouse Simeon Beckett visit the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
Media opportunities: photo/video.
Media arrival by 16.20.
Venue: Museum of the Occupation of Latvia.
Media programme, 29 July
10.00 - Official welcoming ceremony for the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia Sam Mostyn and her spouse Simeon Beckett
Media opportunities: photo/video. (POOL1. POOL 1 will not be able to attend POOL 2).
Media arrival by 9.30.
Venue: Riga Castle.
10.15 - Official photo of President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs and Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia Sam Mostyn and her spouse Simeon Beckett, signing of Guest Book
Media opportunities: photo/video. (POOL 2 will not be able to attend POOL 1).
Media arrival by 9.30.
Venue: Riga Castle.
10.45 - Talks between the Latvian and Australian delegations
Media opportunities: photo/video at the beginning of the meeting.
Media arrival by 10.15.
Venue: Riga Castle.
11.30 - Flower laying ceremony at the Freedom Monument
Media opportunities: photo/video.
Media arrival by 11.10.
Venue: Freedom Square.
11.45 - Meeting between the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia Sam Mostyn and her spouse Simeon Beckett and Speaker of the Saeima Daiga Mieriņa
Media opportunities: photo/video at the beginning of the meeting.
Media arrival by 11.25.
Venue: Saeima.
13.30 - Meeting between the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia Sam Mostyn and her spouse Simeon Beckett and Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs
Media opportunities: photo/video.
Media arrival by 13.00.
Venue: Cabinet of Ministers.
19.00 - Official dinner in honour of the official visit of the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia Sam Mostyn and her spouse Simeon Beckett to Latvia
Media opportunities: photo/video upon the guests' arrival and during the officials' speeches.
Media arrival by 18.30.
Venue: Riga Castle.