The President of Latvia presents the Order of Viesturs to General Wayne Eyre, Commander of the Canadian Armed Forces

On 13 May, President Edgars Rinkēvičs met with General Wayne Eyre, Commander of the Canadian Armed Forces, at the Riga Castle. Following the decision of the Chapter of Orders of 10 April, President Rinkēvičs presented Wayne Eyre with the Order of Viesturs (First Class) for his significant contribution to the promotion of mutual cooperation between the Republic of Latvia and Canada in the military field and strengthening of the security and defence of the Latvian state.

General Eyre has been involved in enhancing and ensuring the capabilities of the Latvian military. He has played a pivotal role in the development and improvement of the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia from the Canadian side and has encouraged the active involvement of other Member States. General Eyre has also made a significant contribution to the advocacy of conceptual support for Latvia's defence to the Government of Canada.

In a meeting with General Wayne Eyre, Commander of the Canadian Armed Forces, President Edgars Rinkēvičs expressed gratitude to Canada for its military presence in Latvia and for its commitment to expand its presence by establishing a combat-capable brigade. "Canada and Latvia enjoy a robust and enduring partnership. The deployment of the Canadian Armed Forces in Latvia constitutes a significant contribution not only to the security of Latvia but also to the security of the entire Baltic region," said E. Rinkēvičs.

E. Rinkēvičs reaffirmed Latvia's commitment to ensure the host country's full support for the increase of the Canadian Armed Forces in Latvia.

The two sides also exchanged views on the measures to be implemented to reinforce the defence of the Baltic region before the Washington NATO Summit, as well as the provision of support to Ukraine.