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Mr President,
Madam Speaker,
members of the Presidium,
Madam Prime Minister,
honoured members of Parliament,
ministerial colleagues,
excellencies, ladies and gentlemen.
In Latvian history, January is a month of decisive events. Latvia’s de iure recognition in 1921 and the barricades in 1991 represented the existential choices, the critical junctures of the Latvian people. They represented Latvia’s will and ability to achieve what we want.
In the words of Latvia’s first foreign minister, Zigfrīds Anna Meierovics:
“Latvia has taken two steps on its way toward national independence – Latvia’s liberation and Latvia’s international recognition. In both cases, our efforts have been crowned by victory.
“If we were liberated in a fairly short period of time – two years and a few months, and if we have achieved legal recognition, then let us ask: what exactly allowed us to reach victory so quickly.”
He himself offered a response:
“It was unanimity of purpose that brought us together during this period of struggle. We stood shoulder to shoulder in our fight against our external enemies and in the struggle to achieve Latvia’s legal recognition.”
And this is what underpins our foreign policy. Our foreign policy is unified.
In other words, unity of will and action.
From the very first steps in establishing a national, democratic Latvian state at the beginning of the last century’s, ideas and convictions went hand-in-hand with concrete action. Democracy and security were two fundamental principles in the establishment of the new Republic of Latvia in 1918.
On the battlefield, our Freedom battles took place at the same time as diplomatic battles to achieve the international recognition of Latvian. We established our own armed forces, found allies, and demonstrated to them and convinced them that we were worthy of forging and managing our own country. We succeeded, and we thank our leaders, allies then and now for their inspiration and their support for our freedom.
During the Soviet occupation, freedom was never an abstract concept for us. Let’s recall the United States and other allies never recognised the illegal Soviet occupation. Latvians in Latvia, Latvia’s foreign service and compatriots abroad, our allies continued to work, convince others and have faith that we could restore our independence.
34 years ago, we took to the streets of Riga to set up barricades and to stand for freedom, its ideas with concrete action in the face of the occupying power.
We remember the resistance and scepticism we faced when the Baltic states sought to restore their independence. We were told to wait. To not create unnecessary provocations, as this could ignite nuclear war. And other nonsense! A powerful historical memory for us is the so-called “peace of the prison yard”, which brought 50 years of Soviet occupation to Latvia, with thousands of victims in the dungeons of the KGB and the gulags of Siberia.
That is why we understand so profoundly Ukraine’s desire to live in a free Europe and be sure that the aggressor will not attack again.
We also feel today especially that every generation must face its own test of freedom and democracy. Ours is a democratic, safe and wealthy country. It is country that we ourselves established, maintained, regained, and restored.
None of that happened accidentally. No one presented this country to us as a gift. We demonstrated collective will, capability, self-organisation, and active work, not least in terms of our armed forces.
Today, we stand once again at a critical historical crossroads. We can expect serious challenges and major, fundamental changes The world order to which we are all accustomed is under immense pressure – the world order grounded in the UN Charter, the world order that does not permit the use of aggression of power against other countries. The case of Russia’s aggression shows that this order has been subjected to serious attack. To violent attack.
Let us remember that Article 51 of the UN Charter outlines the right of self-defence. The founding of NATO and Article 5 of the Washington Treaty are based on the UN Charter. Ukraine’s fight for freedom, Ukraine’s self-defence is based on Article 51. This embodies standing up for the UN Charter and the international order. Ukrainians are shedding their blood to defend this order. At the same time, this ensures that countries providing aid and weaponry to Ukraine do not become participants in the war themselves.
Dear members of Parliament:
Leadership is of particular importance during such moments. We count on and believe in American leadership, in a European role, and in our own ability to preserve, influence, and shape the international order, which continues to ensure peace, security, prosperity, and development.
We also see where the winds of unrest are blowing. We must be prepared for the escalation of military conflicts across various regions of the world. Economic competition is intensifying. Authoritarian regimes will continue to undermine international law and institutions.
It is precisely in this context that we see North Korea and Iran directly supporting Russia’s war, and we have expressed our concerns to China about its role in enabling Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Many countries are united in their assessment of the situation and threat perception. In my thirty year diplomatic career, I have never found a country that would accept the violation of its borders through violent and brutal force.
The political and military outcomes of the war in Ukraine will also affect our vital interests and will reverberate far beyond Ukraine’s borders. This war has global ramifications.
The Russian Federation is an imperialist country driven by explicitly colonial ambitions. A weakened Russia will be the best security guarantee for any neighbouring country, particularly those outside of NATO or the EU. That will also be the best recipe for peace and stability in other regions of the world.
Our security depends on what we and other NATO allies do to strengthen our own defence. It depends on the support that Ukraine will continue to receive. And on the lessons that Russia will draw from its aggression in Ukraine.
Latvia currently does not face a direct military threat. Our country is part of the most powerful military defence alliance in the world. In fighting for its freedom, Ukraine is helping to strengthen the freedom and security of the entire Euro-Atlantic space, security across the globe. Russia is not capable of wage a direct military attack against the NATO alliance. Our government is continuing to strengthen our own security both by helping Ukraine and by undertaking historic investments in our defence and deterrence capabilities. The NATO allied presence in Latvia has grown every year. And this is the process that we are determined to continue.
There are many things that are in our hands. There is no point in sitting around, whining and worrying, what will happen next. Outbursts and attacks on social media do not help. The only useful way forward is thorough and proactive work, our shared effort of working together with the countries of the world, with Nordic countries, with partners, which maximises our resources across all platforms.
Upon the instructions of the Prime Minister, I am engaging in active dialogue with the new administration in the United States. I visited Washington, D.C. in December, and last week I was among the first European foreign ministers to have a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
I will be back in Washington in the beginning of February to meet with representatives of the new administration about a dialogue on the widest range of topics.
Together, we have clearly identified a series of practical projects in security and economic cooperation, where we have common interests. One area is energy independence, including procurement of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Implementing the “Peace through strength” concept, enhancing defence and security cooperation, forging partnerships in energy, emerging technologies, and also constraining the aggressor and supporting Ukraine – these are the directions of our cooperation. Free trade is mutually advantageous and deepens cooperation.
The Foreign Service on a daily basis feels the growing public interest and awareness of international processes, and support. We welcome the fact that people are following international developments, and we receive strong reciprocal feedback. We truly appreciate that! We thank you for being so active and so demanding. We need the entire involvement of the entire society, not for the sake of “ticking a box”, but to build a Latvia that we can all be proud of.
Dear members of Parliament:
2024 was an important year for Latvia, marking 20 years since our accession to the European Union and NATO. The accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO fundamentally altered the security situation in the Baltic Sea region, strengthened security across the Euro-Atlantic, and substantially increased our own security. Our membership in the EU and NATO that provides us with the instruments and opportunities to defend Latvia’s interests in the International arena.
It is our strength and our influence in the world.
Last year, the government led by Prime Minister Evika Siliņa pursued targeted and coordinated foreign policy in three main directions:
- Strengthening national security and defence and the rules-based international order;
- Promoting economic development and prosperity, EU competitiveness and global influence;
- Protecting the interests of Latvian nationals, involving the public in the development and implementation of foreign policy, and leveraging the potential of our diaspora.
This year too, our first priority is and always be security, which is the cornerstone for everything else. There is no welfare without security, no investments, no growth, no development, no demography and no bright future prospects.
We are, and will remain among NATO’s leaders in defence and security investment —approaching 4 % of GDP, and in the coming years, our contribution will grow even further. We need to increase our GDP growth. We are doing this because freedom is not free, and it is in our own best interests. It also is in line with NATO’s capability targets.
We will continue to encourage all allies to invest in the necessary combat capabilities in line with the defence plans of the Alliance.
Last year, we took a series of crucial practical steps to strengthen our national defence.
At the NATO summit in Washington, we together with our allies took decisions to implement the military strategy of the Alliance, including with respect to regional defence plans.
The Canadian-led multinational NATO brigade in Latvia was expanded to full brigade level at the end of last year. For the first time since joining NATO, Sweden deployed a mechanised infantry battalion consisting of 500 troops to join the brigade a few weeks ago. As of now, the brigade consists of 4,000 troops from 14 allied nations.
We thank Canada for its leadership, far-sighted commitment and ever closer friendship. We also thank our allies in the brigade – Albania, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Iceland, Italy, Montenegro, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, North Macedonia and Sweden for their presence in Latvia. They all are in Latvia! Everyone in Latvia values and appreciates your contribution!
Our unchanging priority will be to continue providing all-encompassing support to Ukraine. We fully believe in Ukraine’s victory and its ability to restore its sovereignty and full territorial integrity. We will never alter this position.
This follows from what we were once told: beware of full independence, Baltic independence is not possible.
Therefore, we have signed a bilateral agreement with Ukraine on long-term support and security commitments. Over the next two years, we will provide military aid to Ukraine amounting to 0.25% of our GDP along with support for reconstruction.
We also deliver in other initiatives, such as the Drone coalition we have launched, deliveries of military equipment and armaments, and training of troops.
The people of Ukraine are inspiring us with a heroic double act.
They are not only fighting in defence of their country, but under missile and drone attacks, also reforming and restoring it as a future member state of the European Union and NATO.
An historical window of opportunity has presented itself to progress with European integration. The governments of Ukraine and Moldova, and other countries are taking full advantage of this opportunity. Latvia will continue to support reforms in the two countries on their path toward EU membership. We will continue sharing our experience, knowledge, and expertise.
Regrettably, the decisions of the Georgian government are distancing it from the prospects of EU membership. Latvia will nonetheless continue to support the the Georgian people, who strive toward a future in the European Union.
Even beyond Georgia, we know clearly that the Kremlin’s handbook of co-opting the local elites and far-ranging interference in democratic processes will continue.
The European Union is the second cornerstone of Latvia’s security.
Deepening EU-NATO cooperation is in Latvia’s interests.
A strong defence industry is critical for EU competitiveness.
We must make maximum use of the EU defence industrial programmes and financial instruments to procure the military capabilities identified in NATO defence plans and to continue providing military support to Ukraine.
Since the beginning of the war, Latvia has worked constantly to strengthen EU sanctions aimed at constraining the aggressor and reducing support for Russia around the world.
We must continue our efforts to weaken Russia by cutting its revenues and limiting its ability to restore its military capabilities. Do not believe the Kremlin narratives that sanctions are ineffective. They are working. The Russian economy is like a collapsing “house of cards”. We must continue to apply maximum pressure through effective and even broader sanctions. We must work with all countries worldwide, so that they do not circumvent sanctions.
Here we face the greatest and most direct responsibility as politicians, entrepreneurs, and consumers. Are we going to give a single cent to Russia’s war machine?
My dear compatriots,
This is our duty and our responsibility – ceasing all business and other relations with Russia and Belarus, stopping travel to these countries, working to reduce Russia’s influence and presence across the Euro-Atlantic space, strengthening sanctions even further and making sure that they are enforced in spirit and in letter.
Last year, we succeeded in achieving the imposition of three effective rounds of EU sanctions against Russia, including a ban on the export and transit of manganese ore to Russia, limits on Russia’s liquefied natural gas, and measures against Russia’s “shadow fleet” of ships.
We also managed to significantly align sanctions against Russia and Belarus. Last year, we led by example at the national and EU level in ensuring that the EU’s sanctions were implemented effectively.
Latvia’s law enforcement and border guard institutions are working tirelessly in ensuring the enforcement of sanctions on the EU’s external borders.
The truth is that 80% of the cargoes that cross our border with Russia and Belarus come from other EU member states.
Therefore, thank you to our colleagues in the Customs Service and the Border Guard for their selfless, dedicated work. It is overtime, additional work! Latvia sets an example, and other EU member states reach out to us for advice and experience. Enforcement of sanctions a national priority.
Latvia’s priorities for the next rounds of sanctions are further degrading Russia’s military capabilities and sustaining pressure on Russia’s energy sector, the trade of dual-use products, the financial sector, the propaganda machinery, and the “shadow fleet.” We will also work with countries around the world to prevent support for Russia in sanctions evasion.
Regarding the external relations of the EU, Latvia has considerably expanded dialogue with many countries around the world.
It is in our interest to deepen our cooperation with the United Kingdom bilaterally, through EU and NATO frameworks, and in regional formats.
The UK has been a close longstanding ally to Latvia. Its permanent military presence in the Baltic region – both when our state was in the making, and right now – is a significant investment in Latvia’s security. We will continue our close cooperation in NATO and on matters related to support for Ukraine, including co-leadership in the drone coalition.
The world is increasingly connected. That is why last year we did a lot to strengthen relations with countries in the Indo-Pacific region, especially the closest partners – Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and India, as well as island states. We are united by democratic values, economic interests and growing interest in expanding security cooperation in response to linked security challenges in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific theatres.
Latvia’s relationship with China remains constructive and open to expanding mutually beneficial cooperation. At the same time, Latvia has not hesitated to raise issues bilaterally, where our respective positions differ fundamentally. Latvia considers it imperative that China cease providing support to the aggressor state Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine.
Latvia, together with its allies and like-minded countries, believes that China, as a nuclear state, must take responsibility and comprehensively engage in the global arms control mechanisms.
The renewal of conflicts in the Middle East is another serious security risk, which will continue to influence the global agenda. During the past year, the war and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the barbaric attacks by Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists against Israel did not leave Latvian society indifferent.
Latvia is making a direct contribution to regional stability by taking part in two international UN missions – a ceasefire monitoring mission in Jerusalem and a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.
We thank our soldiers for their selfless duty on those missions, on KFOR and elsewhere!
We support the two-state solution. The ceasefire in Gaza and the return of several hostages captured by Hamas offer hope for the stabilisation of the situation. We call for the immediate release of all Hamas hostages.
They and their families should have never had to face these horrors. The attempts of Hamas to make a show of the return of hostages are despicable.
Iran is an aggressive and destabilising force in the region. It directly supports Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, conducts direct attacks against Israel, supports armed groups in the region, and continues to develop its nuclear programme. We’ll continue dialogue with the EU and other countries on how to stop that.
The fall of the brutal Assad regime in Syria is a warning to other dictators. It has substantially weakened the positions of Russia and Iran in the region. Latvia will continue to support the efforts of the EU and regional partners to ensure an inclusive approach toward unifying and restoring the Syrian state.
Africa is an important partner for the EU. We will continue to strengthen political dialogue with African partners, both through the EU's common foreign policy, bilateral development cooperation, and if we are elected to the UN Security Council.
Russia's malign, colonial activities in Africa – support for violent coups and militias, resource theft, and escalating conflicts across the continent— also impact European security.
We must work globally to counter Russia’s networks of agents and propaganda. We must be present at every format to express our views, defend Ukraine and do everything in our power to isolate Russia and Belarus in international organisations.
This is why one of Latvia’s foreign policy objectives is securing membership on the United Nations Security Council in 2026-2027.
Latvia's membership in the UN Security Council will be an investment in our security and sovereignty. It is an opportunity to have a seat at the world's most significant diplomatic table and contribute to shaping the global agenda.
It is an opportunity for us to significantly deepen our cooperation with existing allies, such as the United States, the UK and France, as well as to reach new eyes and ears, hearts and minds.
It would also provide all our sectors and companies with new energy and international opportunities. For example, in partnership with Riga TechGirls, Latvia is pursuing a series of successful projects aimed at facilitating the involvement of women in the IT sector and entrepreneurship in several countries around the world.
Of course, there is a need for reform in the UN structures, including the Security Council, which is why it is important for us to be present, rather than leave this platform to Russian disinformation and manipulation.
2) OUR SECOND KEY PRIORITY IS THE ECONOMIC GROWTH
Our security is directly linked to our economy and competitiveness. And vice versa, our economic development and competitiveness require a safe environment that is attractive to investors.
During the 20 years since our accession, we have become increasingly skilled at defending our interests in the EU. We are a part of the EU single market, which is the engine of our economy.
We must make more thorough use of the EU’s instruments, such as trade agreements, new partnerships, mobilising funds and market protection instruments so that Latvian entrepreneurs may operate more successfully in new markets.
For instance, there is the recent EU agreement with Mercosur countries, which creates a common market of more than 700 million people. This agreement will allow EU companies to save EUR 4 billion in export customs duties and taxes each year.
The EU has completed negotiations with Mexico, relaunched talks with Malaysia, and continues to work on agreements with India, Indonesia and the Philippines. They all present opportunities for our companies.
It is particularly important for Latvia that the EU continues to work toward strengthening energy independence, not least from the Russian Federation.
My message to companies in Latvia and other EU member states that are still operating in Russia and Belarus is simple. Get out of there! It is not a matter of survival, instead, it finances the brutal and bloody war and allows the Kremlin butcher to maintain the illusion that everything is just fine in Russia.
The flow has turned in a different direction!
Our businesses are capable of conquering any market, as we see in current trade figures for Japan, Korea and other countries.
It is our duty to pursue Latvia’s economic interests effectively by helping our businesses to discover opportunities abroad, as well as by attracting investments and international partners for our own startups, innovators and scientists.
The Foreign Service plays a significant role in this mission, and we will continue to work in a targeted way to ensure that the economic dimension is woven through all of our events and foreign visits and so that our diplomats are better prepared and trained to promote Latvia’s economic interests.
We must pursue even more effective cooperation with other government institutions, business associations and other actors to ensure together that Latvia truly is a safe and attractive investment destination. We must take every opportunity to position Latvia in this manner.
I wish to emphasise the fact that the Foreign Ministry has worked with the Ministry of Economics, the Latvian Agency for Investment and Development, local governments and other organisations throughout the past year to attract and implement major investment projects.
We know that strategic and coordinated inter-institutional cooperation is a prerequisite for attracting large investments and partners.
Last year, foreign investment in Latvia rose by 6% to reach EUR 655.4 million.
The Foreign Service and its network of embassies and honorary consuls actively supported Latvia’s exporting companies by facilitating problem resolution and establishing business contacts.
Our companies have grown exports not just to a range of European countries such as Poland, France and Belgium, but also to more distant markets in the United States, India, Japan, Egypt, South Korea, Australia and Canada.
Of key importance in promoting economic cooperation are the foreign visits of our government officials. I strongly encourage business delegations to use these opportunities to accompany our President, Prime Minister, myself and other officials to shape contacts and to establish new partnerships.
Latvia is becoming increasingly adept at attracting EU financial instruments for our priority projects.
For instance, in March, the European Commission granted co-financing for a munitions factory in Latvia. 60 million EUR were allocated for five projects, including two aimed at boosting Latvia’s military capabilities – the procurement of Patria armoured carriers and IRIS-T air defence systems.
The Foreign Service has helped Latvia attract EU financing for various technology companies, such as EUR 4.5 million in funding for Origin Robotics. I personally see enormous potential in this area – attracting financial instruments from the EU and NATO.
It is vitally important for Latvia to continue taking part in the development of new and emerging technologies. We have already started work on 5G, 6G and quantum technologies together with our partner communities.
We all must do everything possible to attract additional financing and partners in this area. This will be one of our key areas of partnership with the new administration in the United States.
It is of equal importance to develop and test artificial intelligence and promote its effective implementation in domains, such as security, health care, and education.
We must ensure that Europe offers a competitive environment for technology and innovation companies.
Our country is successfully developing development cooperation projects with a broad range of partners from the non-governmental, private, and state sectors. This policy represents an investment in international efforts and stability, including support for our priority partners – 15 development cooperation projects were implemented in Ukraine alone in 2024.
It also offers an opportunity to return money back into our own economy. This is a goal that we have set for ourselves – due to European Commission accreditation received by our Central Finance and Contracting Agency, which will allow us serve as the main partner in implementing EC development co-operation projects. This will offer Latvian organisations even wider opportunities to help others and participate in projects financed by international providers of aid and development assistance.
We are also working actively to represent our country’s interests in the EU’s next multi-annual budget for 2028-2034. We will engage proactively the relevant EU institutions, member states and other involved parties, and we have already submitted our position to the European Commission.
Latvia’s key priorities for the EU’s next multi-annual budget: Security and defence, cohesion policy, the Common Agricultural Policy, and financing for the Rail Baltica project.
Latvia is among those EU member states which support an increase in the EU’s overall budget to provide financing for traditional and new priorities alike.
When meeting with parliamentary factions here at the Saeima, I received a number of questions about the Green Deal. Latvia supports the conclusion of Draghi report, stating that the targets of the EU Green Deal must be balanced with competitiveness priorities.
Our companies must not be placed in a worse position than other global market players.
We must be more moderate and more pragmatic in our approach to strengthen competitiveness and ensure our security needs.
3) PEOPLE ARE OUR THIRD PRIORITY, an equally important one in the foreign service’s work
In my first nine months as foreign minister, I have again been convinced of the talents and skills of our people.
The Foreign Service is delighted and honoured to make use of all opportunities to defend and represent our country, to advance its prosperity and to convince others of our achievements.
Let’s go beyond just admiring the success of FLOW – let’s take practical inspiration and strive to replicate it. With talent, vision, and hard work, no mountain is high enough. Let’s support our best and brightest!
I have travelled to our external borders and regions and met with associations of entrepreneurs, employers and technology companies, as well as with businesspersons, journalists, NGOs, civil society and many, many others. I listen with much attention to success stories and criticism. And let us think what needs to be changed.
We will expand our targeted efforts to make better use of the openness and talents of our diaspora abroad, and promote its political and civic involvement.
We must work toward achieving whole-of-society involvement in building security and resilience. Starting from the Young Guard and National Guard, and continuing with involvement in NGOs and political parties.
Each of us can make a seemingly small contribution in pursuit of our common security. At least taking an emergency first aid class. Or learning more about the civil defence plans in your local municipality. Or supporting charity organisations.
Foreign service personnel are often the first to help our compatriots abroad in all sorts of crisis situations.
Last year, there were several occasions, where through active cooperation with relevant government institutions, we succeeded in rescuing our citizens in distress.
It is in our interests to warn, to advise on travelling safely; travellers are urged to notify the Consular Register, check travel alerts.
I would ask members of Parliament to pay particular attention to a new element in Russia’s aggressive foreign policy – politically weaponised international arrest orders against Latvian citizens, including current and former government officials.
The Foreign Service will continue to work with international partners and third countries to ensure that these orders are never executed and to prevent potential crises.
Dear members of Parliament:
To conclude, and looking ahead,
I’ll quote a modern classic,
I’ll quote rapper ansis…
We sing our songs, our power and sorrow
We sing our joy, our sins and scars
We sing walls into ruins! Yes, walls made of brick!
Raise your voice!
Raise your voice!
Let us all raise our voices – all of us who stand for a prosperous, secure and sovereign Latvia!
Thank you!
