The new US Ambassador to Latvia, Melissa Arguero, has begun her tenure and praised Latvia's leadership and contributions to NATO.
After her official accreditation ceremony at the Riga Castle, new US Ambassador Melissa Arguero expressed her appreciation for Latvia's leadership in defense and its contributions to NATO. She emphasized the importance of secure borders as a shared priority for both the US and Latvia, while also stating her intent to expand cooperation beyond military matters.
Arguero has a background in business and philanthropy, which she indicated will shape her approach to partnerships and problem-solving during her ambassadorship. She looks forward to strengthening trade relations and supporting investments and innovation within the energy sector, highlighting the broad scope of her agenda in Latvia.
Notably, Arguero is not a career diplomat; she has previously worked as a real estate investor in California and with her family business, "Arnel & Affiliates," and has been involved with various NGOs. Reports in US media indicate she donated $2 million to former President Donald Trump's inauguration, marking her first experience serving in an ambassadorial role. Latvia's Foreign Minister Baiba BraΕΎe of the New Unity party welcomed her appointment, indicating a mutual desire for continued collaboration.
