2021 marked 100 years since the de jure recognition of the Republic of Latvia and the establishing of the foreign service of the Republic of Latvia. To celebrate this important anniversary and having awarded the highest state honours to several diplomats of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the President of Latvia and the Chapter of Orders has expressed special appreciation of the long-standing employees of the foreign service for their selfless work providing an important contribution in the restoration and strengthening of the diplomatic and consular service of the Republic of Latvia.
Today at an individual ceremony at Riga Castle President of Latvia Egils Levits presented the Cross of Recognition to Māris Selga, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia, for his years of important contribution to protecting Latvia’s foreign interests, establishing economic contacts and strengthening Latvia’s network of diplomatic representations. To diplomat Santa Dālmane for highly professional and especially selfless work within the foreign service in the spring of 2020, during the Covid-19 crisis implementing the largest repatriation operation in the history of the state of Latvia and helping our citizens return to Latvia under extremely complicated conditions. To diplomat Jans Kevišs-Petuško for highly professional and especially selfless work within the foreign service in the spring of 2020, during the Covid-19 crisis implementing the largest repatriation operation in the history of the state of Latvia and ensuring the necessary transport flows for delivery of critical goods. Having been awarded the highest state honours, Māris Selga has been appointed a Grand Officer of the Cross of Recognition, Santa Dālmane and Jans Kevišs-Petuško have been appointed Officers of the Cross of Recognition.
“Dear awardees! As representatives of the diplomatic service of Latvia you provide an important contribution to the existence of the state of Latvia. Latvia is one of the 193 member states of the United Nations that has been internationally recognised. For the relatively small Latvian nation, this is, in essence, a huge accomplishment – to have its own state capable of protecting its interests and its people, and even individual citizens. However, in regard to the repatriation exercise and the ensuring of transport flows we see crisis situations hitherto unprecedented in the world. Indeed, our diplomatic service, our consular service are extremely effective and able to respond rapidly. Larger states can often not act as quickly. As regards our diplomatic relations so that our state can function well and defend its interests, as a small state we need a stronger diplomatic service and better diplomats than other states, because we do not have extensive human resources. Thus, I believe that every one of our diplomats is held to a higher standard than those of other states. I am truly honoured to have the opportunity to present this award to you. In representing our interests first in China, now in the USA, Mr Ambassador has clearly demonstrated that we are being heard, our interests are being taken into account. As I said, our state has become more complicated because the international community has also become more complicated. Therefore, we face greater challenges than before. And these will only become ever greater, as it does not seem that the world is getting any simpler. Thank you so very much for what you do on behalf of Latvia and its people. And this is a reminder of how important the diplomatic and consular service is to us,” said President of Latvia Egils Levits in addressing the participants and attendees of the ceremony.