The festive event where President of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid also participated was organised at the place where border-crossing point between Valka in Latvia and Valga in Estonia was located once. The President of Latvia admitted that recent events in connection with the increase in illegal migration and terrorist threats in Europe had also affected the free movement of people within the Schengen area. Therefore, a balance between the security challenges and the free movement of people should be found which facilitated closer cooperation and trust among the Member States.
“The towns of Valka and Valga are “our Schengen area”, our symbol, and our story about the opportunities emerging when barriers are removed and free movement of people is granted. Ten years ago, you, the people of Valka and Valga, had the opportunity to set common goals and create a shared living space. It is really a pleasure to see that you have used that chance successfully,” stated Raimonds Vējonis.
The President of Latvia stressed that both countries had identified and successfully implemented the goals significant for cross-border development: there was an agreement signed on mutual assistance in the provision of emergency medical aid, several major road reconstruction projects between the two countries have been implemented, and cooperation between the rescue services has been established. The initiative to develop a friendly business environment aimed at attracting investment in Valka and Valga would enable enterprising individuals to create new ideas and projects.