On 26 January 2020, we will mark the day of the international de iure recognition of the Republic of Latvia de iure, It was 99 years ago when Latvian diplomats had succeeded in accomplishing a momentous task: on 26 January 1921, the world’s great powers recognised Latvia de iure.
In a reception on the eve of the anniversary, the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs, thanked diplomats and presented them with the Cabinet of Ministers certificates of commendation for their merit and professionalism in pursuit Latvia’s interests and standing up for them. A number of representatives of the Foreign Service and its cooperation organisations received certificates of recognition of merit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their significant personal contributions benefiting the Foreign Service and the state of Latvia.
Latvian diplomats have always worked for the benefit of their country and in defence of its interests. The Foreign Service ensures the development of Latvia as an independent, democratic and secure state now and in the future. At all times, Latvia’s diplomats had to be prepared to work under any circumstances and also find solutions in complex situations. The Foreign Service is the only institution of the Republic of Latvia that has been functioning continuously and without interruption since the establishment of Latvia’s statehood.
A hundred years have passed since the launch of the Latvian Foreign service, and diplomats have formulated the values of the service – integrity, cooperation, and courage – and honouring such values ensure a high level of professionalism and individual responsibility.
To publicly present what diplomats have accomplished to achieve the international de iure recognition of Latvia as well as the work of the Latvian Foreign Service over the past century, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has created a touring exhibition, “100 years of Latvian Diplomacy and Foreign Service”. The exhibition was unveiled on 9 September 2019 in Riga. Later, it was on display in Tukums and Ventspils. Soon it will travel to Jelgava and then, to Daugavpils, Rēzekne, Cēsis, and Valmiera. At the opening of the exhibition, the audience has the opportunity to meet with people working for the Foreign Service to gain a deeper insight into pivotal events in Latvia’s history and a diplomat’s daily work and current career opportunities in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The exhibition will tour Latvia until January 2021, which will be 100 years from the time when international de iure recognition of the Republic of Latvia was achieved.
As it does every year on the eve of the anniversary of recognition de iure, Latvian Foreign Ministry staff remember contributions made in carrying forward the priorities and aspirations that are part of Latvia’s foreign policy, including those made by colleagues who have since passed away. At the Meža Kapi cemetery in Riga, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and members of the Foreign Service laid flowers on the gravesites of Zigfrīds Anna Meierovics, Janis Čakste, Gunārs Meierovics, and other former Latvian diplomats.