November 1918 was a significant turning point in the history of our countries and nations. A hundred years ago, when the First World War had ended, on 11 November 1918, the Polish people restored their independence and state after more than a hundred years under the control of foreign powers. A week later, on November 18, an independent Republic of Latvia was proclaimed in Riga. This year, the Polish people and we are celebrating the anniversary of our statehood for the hundredth time.
Latvians and Poles had been living side by side for centuries, and the twentieth century has brought us similar challenges. We have many common pages in our history. November 11 is one of them when the Polish people are marking the day of restored independence of Poland, but we are marking the Lacplesis Day in Latvia paying tribute to the fighters for the independence of Latvia, who had gone to battles soon after the establishment of the state to defend the newly founded country.
We become much stronger in our strength and spirit when we are united. Latvia will always remember the heroic support demonstrated by Poland and its soldiers to us in the years 1919-1920 when participating in the Latvian War of Independence and decisively helping to liberate Latgale from the Bolsheviks. We were able to experience not only Polish heroism and “miracle of the Vistula”, but also heroism and “miracle of the Daugava”. Close political and military cooperation between our countries during the fights for the independence of Latvia can always serve as an inspirational example and reminder of the community of our destinies.
Therefore, there is a double holiday in Latvia today, as we commemorate the heroic freedom fighters including Polish soldiers and we greet Poland on its anniversary of the restoration of their independence.
A shared historical and cultural experience, joint fighting for freedom are a good basis for close and friendly relations between the people of Latvia and Poland. Over the centuries, the Poles and their culture have become an integral part of the life in Latvia. The Polish diaspora in Latvia is an active and important part of our society. Today, both countries are also full-fledged members of the international community, the European Union, and NATO. We highly appreciate that Poland as a NATO member is engaged in strengthening the security of the region and of Latvia with its soldiers in the NATO battalion deployed in Latvia nowadays.
The great son of the Polish nation, Pope John Paul II, wished our nations not to be afraid. Shared experiences in the past strengthen us and make us believe in the future. The existence and successful development of the states of Latvia and Poland is a living proof that the foundations of freedom and independence, which have been consolidated a hundred years ago, are strong and will last for as long as we protect and defend them.
Today, I would like to greet the Polish people and wish them peace, prosperity, and growth on the anniversary of the restored independence of Poland!
Happy birthday, Poland! Here’s to your independence and to our independence!