On 26 January 2025, the Latvian foreign service celebrated the day of the international (de jure) recognition of the Republic of Latvia or the so-called Diplomats Day.
In her address to those present at the festive event dedicated to de jure day at the Foreign Ministry on 29 January, Foreign Minister Baiba Braže said:
“The role of the Foreign Service has been vital both in the fight for Latvia’s independence and the establishment of its statehood on 18 November 1918, and in the subsequent years, working towards the international recognition of our state on 26 January 1921. Challenges to modern foreign policy are very much like those of more than 100 years ago. Today, the main tasks of the foreign service are to safeguard our interests, build bridges, forge contacts and sustain friendship.”
For the first time, Latvia is standing as a candidate for membership of the UN Security Council.
“Latvia joined the UN 34 years ago, on 17 September 1991. On a day when both South and North Korea acceded to the UN. This marked a major geopolitical change. At that point, the USSR still existed, until December. We are not a successor to the USSR. Our mission was to restore our independence and diplomatic relations. We hope to be with you again as we celebrate our election. Our priorities will be global security, working together, through dialogue. Also, the strengthening of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, advancing the Middle East peace process, the Women, Peace, Security agenda, security of digital and information space, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence issues, maritime security, and disinformation. We are prepared to serve on the UN Security Council and we have a unique history that will help us cooperate with everyone.”
Foreign Minister Baiba Braže thanked the Foreign Ministry diplomats and presented them with Certificates of Recognition from the Cabinet of Ministers for their selfless and professional service in pursuing and protecting Latvia’s interests. Certificates of Recognition from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were presented to members of the foreign service and representatives of partner organisations for their significant personal contribution to the benefit of the foreign service and the Latvian state.
The official event was attended by members of the Saeima, ministers, ambassadors of Latvia, members of foreign diplomatic corps, honorary consuls, former ambassadors, retired employees of the Ministry, and other co-operation partners.
As each year, during a commemorative ceremony in the Meža Kapi cemetery, flowers were laid at the final resting places of Zigfrīds Anna Meierovics, Jānis Čakste, Gunārs Meierovics and former members of the Foreign Ministry staff.
Latvia’s international (de jure) recognition on 26 January 1921
104 years ago, the Supreme Council of the Allied Powers (Belgium, France, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom) recognised the state of Latvia de jure.
Latvia could now establish diplomatic relations, appoint envoys, accede to international conventions, enter into agreements, take part in and organise international conferences. This could not be erased by the 50 years of Latvia’s occupation.
De jure recognition is irrevocable and permanent.
Paying tribute to the contribution of Latvian diplomats to efforts for the recognition of the state, a De Jure Room was unveiled at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2021.
More about Latvia’s international de jure recognition
A publication by the Foreign Ministry on Latvia’s international recognition:
