Raimonds Vējonis confirmed that the compatriots abroad were a very important part of Latvia and therefore needed for the state. As stated by the President of Latvia, Latvians of different ages lived abroad, who have left Latvia in different periods both after World War II and in the last decades.
“I am delighted to see how friendly you are together. It is important for Latvians abroad maintaining unity and helping each other. Then let us not forget where we came from, and Latvian traditions shall be preserved,” urged the President of Latvia.
When answering the questions of those present, Raimonds Vējonis said that the Latvian economy was gradually strengthened so that less Latvian citizens would need to seek a better life abroad and the largest possible number of compatriots abroad would return home. At the same time, the President of Latvia stated that when meeting with British officials during his official visit, it was emphasized that potential exit of Great Britain from the European Union should not significantly affect the life of Latvians working in Great Britain.
“Everyone can take part in building a better Latvia thanks to one’s work or expertise. The most important is not becoming indifferent to the developments in Latvia, as indifference terminates any relationship,” said Raimonds Vējonis.
President of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis and First Lady of Latvia Iveta Vējone went on official visit to the United Kingdom, which will last from July 18 to July 20. Within the framework of the official visit, the President of Latvia had an audience at Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, a meeting with Madam Speaker of the UK House of Lords Baroness D'Souza and Speaker of the UK House of Commons John Bercow. Raimonds Vejonis intends to meet with British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday, July 20, and to visit the Headquarters of NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.