Meet Ingrīda Levrence, Latvia's Top Diplomat in Vienna
Ingrīda Levrence, one of Latvia's most distinguished diplomats, is taking over as ambassador to Austria. The renowned Europe expert and multiple ambassador brings impressive international experience from Beijing to Brussels to Vienna to further strengthen bilateral relations in politically turbulent times.
H.E. Ms. Ingrīda Levrence (r.), Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia presented her credentials to Austrian President Van der Bellen (l.). / Picture: © Österreichische Präsidentschaftskanzlei/ Carina Karlovits und Peter Lechner/HBF
Diplomatic relations between Latvia and Austria entered a new phase. With the ceremonial presentation of her credentials to Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna in November, Ingrīda Levrence has officially taken up her post as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to Austria.
Experienced diplomat for the Vienna location
Levrence is no stranger to international politics. The experienced diplomat, who began her career in 1991 – shortly after Latvia regained its independence – can look back on an impressive career. Before being appointed to Vienna, she served as ambassador to China and Georgia, among other posts, and also represented her country's interests in Belarus and the European Union. Most recently, she served as Undersecretary of State for European Affairs in the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2022.
In her new role in Vienna, she succeeds Guna Japiņa, who had held the post since 2021. Levrence will also be accredited as non-resident ambassador to Switzerland from Vienna, where she presented her credentials to the Swiss president in January 2026.
Focus on European values and security
During her inaugural visit, Levrence emphasized the importance of a rules-based international order – an issue of central importance to smaller EU states such as Latvia and Austria. In view of the current geopolitical situation, particularly support for Ukraine, she highlighted the intensive bilateral relations. She is also particularly interested in exchanges in the fields of science and innovation.
An impressive profile
The new ambassador is considered a highly qualified philologist with a master's degree from the University of Latvia and additional training at elite institutions such as Stanford University. Her linguistic repertoire is remarkable: in addition to German and English, Levrence also speaks Russian, French, Spanish, Catalan, Lithuanian, and Belarusian.
She has already received several awards for her services, including certificates of recognition from the Latvian Parliament (Saeima) and the Cabinet of Ministers.
More information on Ms. Levrence:
| Curriculum Vitae | Born May 12, 1964 | |
|---|---|
| Professional Career | |
| 2025 – Present | Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to the Republic of Austria |
| 09/2022 – 09/2025 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Under-Secretary of State for European Affairs |
| 04/2018 – 09/2022 | Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Georgia |
| 2009 – 2016 | Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China; Non-resident Ambassador to Vietnam & Mongolia |
| 02/2016 – 04/2018 | Ambassador-Director General, Directorate of Security Policy and International Organisations |
| 08/2006 – 01/2009 | Under-Secretary of State, Administrative Directorate |
| 09/2005 – 08/2006 | Inspector General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
| 05/2003 – 09/2005 | Counsellor, Permanent Representation of Latvia to the EU (Brussels) |
| 1997 – 2003 | Counsellor (Policy Planning Group); Chargé d’Affaires to Belarus (1997-2000) |
| 1991 – 1997 | Counsellor in the Russian Federation (from 1992); Under-Secretary of State (1993-1994) |
| Education & Training | |
| 2001 – 2003 | University of Latvia: Master of Humanities in Philology |
| 1982 – 1988 | Lomonosov Moscow State University: Faculty of Philology |
| Further Training | Baltic Defence College (2016); Stanford University Hoover Institution (1992) |
| Additional Information | |
| Languages | English, German, Russian, French, Spanish, Catalan, Belorussian, Lithuanian |
| Awards | Certificates of Recognition/Appreciation: Parliament’s Presidium (2014), Prime Minister (2010), Cabinet of Ministers (2008) |