On 21 November 2024, the Embassy of Latvia in Kazakhstan held a festive event in support of Latvia’s candidacy campaign for the United Nations Security Council and marked the 106th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia.
In a speech to guests, the Ambassador of Latvian to Kazakhstan, Irina Mangule, recalled the difficult geopolitical situation currently experienced by Europe and the entire Eurasian region.
The Ambassador underlined that 19 November saw 1000 days since Russia launched a bloody war against Ukraine, and she pointed out that since the very first days of the hostilities, Latvia has been providing Ukraine with all possible political, military, financial, development cooperation, and humanitarian assistance.
The Ambassador recalled that every UN member state is under an obligation to respect the principles set out in the UN Charter on ensuring the territorial integrity of states, safeguarding peace and security both in the region and globally. The Ambassador emphasized the responsibility of the members of the UN Security Council, especially permanent ones, for ensuring peace. Irina Mangule noted that Latvia is prepared to set an example and lend a hand in the renewal of the international order; therefore, for the first time in its history, Latvia is running as a candidate in the 2025 elections for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the term of 2026-2027.
The Ambassador emphasized that this year, a motto “My Latvia – my responsibility!” has been chosen to celebrate of Latvia’s 106th anniversary. She stressed that it is every citizen’s duty to take care of their country, and likewise, the state has a duty to assume responsibility for the world order as a whole. Therefore, Latvia is standing in the Security Council elections and carrying out its campaign under the motto of “Together for Peace and resilience”.
The event was held at the Chamber Hall Astana Opera Theatre and the guests – high-ranking Kazakhstani officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister, Roman Vassilenko, diplomats and other guests – had the opportunity to listen to a performance by Katrīna Gupalo and Edgars Vilcāns. The concert programme, “Mother Tongue”, featured songs composed by the visiting musicians as well as popular tunes by Latvian composers. Songs in the Kazakh and Ukrainian languages, as well as tunes by Latvian composer Raimonds Pauls, also well-known in Kazakhstan, received special applause.
The event was implemented as part of the public diplomacy programme in support of the lobby campaign of Latvia’s candidacy for the United Nations Security Council. The campaign under the motto of “Together for peace and resilience” aims at ensuring successful election of Latvia to the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term in the 2025 election, at which Latvia is running for an elected member’s seat for the first time. Membership of the UNSC will be a key instrument in pursuit and protection of Latvia’s foreign policy interests, as well as making it possible for Latvia to expand the scale of its international cooperation and thereby contributing to world peace and resilience.
Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/latvianmfa/albums/72177720322101937
