Rihards Pīks, former Latvian Foreign Minister and filmmaker, dies

Rihards Pīks, a prominent Latvian politician, film director, and cinematographer, passed away on September 7. His career spanned multiple significant roles, including serving as the Minister of Culture and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Pīks also held positions as the director of the Riga Film Studio and the National Cinematography Center. He served as a member of the Saeima (the Latvian Parliament) during its 7th and 8th convocations and was a Member of the European Parliament.

Following his passing, his wife, Sarmīte Pīka, and various political and cultural figures expressed their condolences, noting his extensive contributions to Latvian cinema and international diplomacy.