During the meeting, the President of Latvia remarked that the world was changing rapidly at present and that we have faced new challenges, regional conflicts and humanitarian crises, poverty, terrorism, hybrid threats and cyber threats, as well as the difficulties caused by migration, climate change, trade wars, and Brexit recently. “When countering those challenges, we must remember that a united Europe is our common future. It is a united Europe where close cooperation and solidarity reign, it is a Europe based on common values. We must all continue to play a part in strengthening this kind of Europe,” highlighted Raimonds Vējonis.
During the meeting, at a ceremonial occasion, President of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis presented the Order of Three Stars to Mr Wolfgang Schäuble. The highest state decoration was conferred to Mr Schäuble for outstanding merit for the benefit of the Republic of Latvia, especially for his merits for the integration of Latvia into the European Union and selfless commitment to strengthening relations between Latvia and Germany.
The President of Latvia also presented the highest state decoration to former Secretary of State of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, Head of Munich Security Conference, Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger. The distinction was awarded for outstanding merit in strengthening the security of Latvia.
The state visit of the President of Latvia to Germany takes place from 21 February to 25 February 2019. The President of Latvia has met with Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier and President of Bundestag Dr Wolfgang Schäuble. On Friday evening, the President of Latvia will take part in the Matthiae-Mahlzeit Banquet as a guest of honour hosted by the City of Hamburg. During the Banquet, the President of Latvia will address prominent German state and local government representatives, entrepreneurs, as well as representatives of culture and science.
