‘Although Latvian State has had turbulent first hundred years, I am confident that this century has been extremely successful for the Latvian diplomatic service. Starting from November of 1918, when Zigfrīds Anna Meierovics wrote the draft of the diplomatic note to the British government on the side of his notebook page, which lead to full recognition of the Provisional Government of Latvia on 11 November, bringing hundreds of thousands of Latvians displaced during the World War I back to Latvia in the first years and spectacular success with recognition of Latvia de iure, all the way to giving Latvian government an early warning about plans of the totalitarian powers to divide Europe. After the war, Latvian foreign service continued to represent the Latvian State de iure as conscientiously, selflessly and consistently as possible during the years of occupation, even at times when there was little hope. After restoration of independence, our foreign service successfully led the process of Latvia’s integration into all global international organisations and unions that unite modern and democratic countries governed by rule of law. I wish the Latvian foreign service to keep up the good work in the next hundred years! I want to specifically, on behalf of the President of Latvia, thank the Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs who has been at the helm of the diplomatic service for all these years. I wish you to continue to lead the service as confidently as you have until now!’ said Andris Teikmanis as he presented the presidential plaque.
