Zigfrīds Anna Meierovics is one of the most influential political figures and diplomats of the Republic of Latvia from the origins of Latvia’s independence until the mid-1920s.
First Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia
19.11.1918–26.01.1924 and 19.12.1924–22.08.1925
The next day following the proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Latvia saw the formation of the provisional government of Latvia, in which Zigfrīds Anna Meierovics was appointed to the post of Minister of Foreign Affairs. Under his leadership, the organisational structure of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was devised, and the course and tasks for the foreign policy of the country were outlined – Latvia’s de jure recognition, joining the League of Nations, and establishing of the Baltic Entente.
The efforts of Zigfrīds Anna Meierovics prepared the ground for Latvia’s major diplomatic achievements in the early 1920s: the Peace Treaty with the Soviet Russia of 11 August 1920; Latvia’s international recognition on 26 January 1921; and Latvia’s accession to 22 September 1921.
During Meierovics’ time in office Latvia joined 27 collective conventions and supported amendments to 12 clauses of the Covenant of the League of Nations. Latvia also signed five multilateral international agreements, and 47 bilateral agreements with eleven countries.
From an article “In Memory Of A Friend” by Ants Piip, Estonian statesman and diplomat, several times foreign minister
[..] Meierovics directed Latvia’s foreign policy at the time when the country was born. He harboured no doubt that our countries had attained their independence due to our close cooperation as neighbours. Therefore, it is small wonder that he strongly advocated a union between Estonia and Latvia.
[..] The feeling of mutual respect and friendship, and the cooperation achieved among the Baltic nations is much more important than the agreements signed. This is the lasting legacy that Meierovics has bequeathed to us.
Biography
Zigfrīds Anna Meierovics was born in the town of Durbe, on 5 February 1885, in a doctor’s family. Orphaned as a small child, he was raised by his mother’s brother, a teacher. He graduated from the Riga Polytechnical Institute’s Department of Commerce in 1911.
Meierovics began working as an accountant in 1911, and was later promoted to Executive Director of the credit union of the Riga Central Agricultural Society. During World War I, he went to Moscow, and worked at the People’s Bank. He arrived in Rēzekne in May 1916 as an employee of the All-Russian Union of Cities. In the spring of 1917, Meierovics returned to Riga and headed the Financial Division of the Vidzeme Land Council. He joined the Latvian Farmers Union in April. And, in September 1917, he took part in the Small Nations Congress of Russia, in Kyiv. When German troops occupied Riga, Meierovics moved to Moscow. Meierovics was a delegate from the Latvian Farmers Union in the meeting to establish the Latvian Provisional National Council that took place in Valka during November 1917.
Meierovics served two terms as Prime Minister of Latvia (1921–1922 and 1923–1924), while also holding the office of Foreign Minister. He was elected to Latvia’s Constitutional Assembly (1920–1922) and to the First Saeima (1922–1925) representing the Latvian Farmers Union.
Meierovics was decorated with the Lāčplēsis Military Order and the Order of the Three Stars (Latvia), as well orders from Estonia, France, Poland, and the Vatican.
Zigfrīds Anna Meierovics died in a car accident on 22 August 1925 near the Brizule manor.