The Latvian Ambassador visited the University of Birmingham to learn more about the University’s work and its plans for engaging with European countries.
Her Excellency Ms Baiba Braže, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland met a number of senior figures at Birmingham.
After discussions with University of Birmingham Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir David Eastwood - pictured above with the Ambassador - and Pro Vice Chancellor (International) Professor Robin Mason, Ms Braže toured the Edgbaston campus.
She then met Professor Tim Haughton, Head of the Department of Political Science and International Studies, as well as chatting to student ambassador Michelle Mumbi.
H.E. Ms Braže said: “On my first regional visit, I was delighted to visit the University of Birmingham and discover the world level of education and research opportunities it presents. It was particularly fascinating to learn that Birmingham was England’s very first civic university, where entry requirements were based on equal terms disregarding religion or personal background, thus introducing equality and giving opportunities to everyone.
“Even more, it was great to hear about the current research done in the University of Birmingham such as vaccines fighting cancer, climate and environmental studies and others that would leave a lasting impact globally.
“I am pleased to note, Latvian companies have been actively taking part in Birmingham NEC events in fields of engineering and timber. A great example is Timber Expo 2016, which I am also attending. With that, I do hope that cooperation between the Universities of Birmingham and Latvia can be developed in the very near future.”
Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir David Eastwood said: “I am delighted to welcome our distinguished guest to the University of Birmingham and demonstrate to Ms Braže that we remain open for academic business with Latvia, other European Union countries and the wider world.
“We are a global university and welcome international students from more than 150 countries to Birmingham. Students from Latvia and the wider EU are an important part of our plans to ensure we remain an ambitious, outward-looking university of the world.”
Ms Braže is an experienced international diplomat who was appointed as Ambassador to the UK earlier this year.
- The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions, its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers and teachers and more than 5,000 international students from over 150 countries.
For more information, please contact Tony Moran, International Communications Manager, University of Birmingham on +44 (0) 121 414 8254 or +44 (0)782 783 2312. Out-of-hours enquiries: +44 (0) 7789 921 165.