On 19 November 2024, the Embassy of Latvia in Ireland held a presentation in support of the campaign of Latvia’s candidacy for the United Nations Security Council and hosted a formal reception in honour of the 106th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia.
In his address to the guests, the Ambassador of Latvia to Ireland, Juris Štālmeistars, highlighted the role of international organisations, especially the UN, in safeguarding international law and democratic values, which has allowed Latvia to not only win its statehood, but also to build a strong democratic foundation and stable economic growth. Latvia’s standing as a candidate in the UN Security Council elections in 2025 is an opportunity to contribute to the development of the international order and the promotion of world peace and resilience, which is also reflected in Latvia’s campaign motto, “Together for peace and resilience”.
The Ambassador presented Latvia’s priorities in the UN and underlined that, in times of gross violations of international law and threats to the rules-based international order by Russia, it is essential to protect democratic values, strengthen security and defence, and promote stability and peace.
He also noted a significant fact about 19 November being the 1000th day of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and invited everyone present to hold a moment of silence to honour the fallen.
The Ambassador praised the bilateral relations between Latvia and Ireland and their active political dialogue. Special acknowledgement was offered to the Latvian diaspora in Ireland, which continues to nurture and strengthen Latvian traditions and promote them in Ireland.
Ambassador Štālmeistars and his spouse had invited high-ranking Irish officials, diplomats from foreign embassies and international organisations accredited in Ireland, researchers and representatives of the academic community, businesspeople, members of the Latvian diaspora and other partners of the Latvian Embassy to the presentation and celebratory reception.
As a special surprise to the guests, there followed a concert by Vestards Šimkus, a Latvian pianist of international fame, whose performance brought the audience to a standing ovation. Original works by Latvian composers were performed, including a piece composed by Vestards Šimkus dedicated to Ukraine’s fight against the aggressor.
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.
