Keith Shannon starts as Her Majesty's Ambassador to Latvia
On Tuesday, 6 June the new British Ambassador to Latvia Mr. Keith Shannon presented his credentials to the President of Latvia.
Mr Keith Shannon presented his credentials as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Latvia to His Excellency the President of Latvia, Mr Raimonds Vējonis, on 6 June 2017. He was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Kate Shannon, by the Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy Riga, Mrs Sarah Harper, and by the British Defence Attache to Latvia, Squadron Leader Mark Sapsford.
Born in Edinburgh in Scotland, Keith was educated at Craigmount High School and at the University of St Andrews, from which he graduated with an MA (Honours) degree in Modern History with International Relations.
Keith joined the Diplomatic Service in 1988. His most recent role has been as Deputy Director of Eastern Europe and Central Asia Directorate at the Foreign and Commonwealth (2014-2017). He previously served as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova (2009-2013) and as Deputy Head of Mission and Her Majesty’s Consul at the British Embassy Vilnius, Lithuania. Earlier in his career Keith served at the British Embassies in Paris, France (1995-1999) and Maputo, Mozambique (1991-1994).
When presenting his Letters of Credence to His Excellency the President, Keith committed to further strengthening the excellent relations between the UK and Latvia.