stressed President of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis during his meeting with President of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid in Tallinn on Wednesday, 10 April 2019.
“Our countries are close not only geographically. We are linked by a common historical heritage, a vision of Europe and the world, similar values, and understanding of the sense of friendly shoulder and common security strengthened in the common fight for independence and freedom. When celebrating the centenary of our countries, we are aware of that more than ever,” stated the President of Latvia.
Raimonds Vējonis noted that the state visit to Estonia was taking place at a symbolic time. “Our nations developed over the same period. Our countries have passed through common historical trails. Our national movements shaped a breakthrough in the development of the Baltic society. Yet, just a hundred years ago, in the summer of 1919, Latvian and Estonian soldiers fought shoulder to shoulder against the enemy forces at the Battle of Cesis. With this joint victory, Latvia’s independence was finally secured, and therefore Latvian people will always be grateful to Estonia for this invaluable help of volunteers,” emphasised the President of Latvia during the meeting with the President of Estonia.
The President of Latvia has indicated that we are close neighbours, cooperation partners, allies, and friends today. Latvia and Estonia share an active political and economic dialogue. Taking into account the current geopolitical conditions, the national interests of both countries include strengthening and developing of already existing cooperation between Latvia and Estonia, as well as strengthening of the close cooperation and mutual support of all three Baltic States at all levels.
During the meeting, Raimonds Vējonis outlined the importance of continuing close cooperation in the implementation of the Rail Baltica project. We hope that no new obstacles will emerge in any of the parties involved in the project to the implementation of the decisions already made for the timely realisation of the Rail Baltica project. The next year-and-a-half will also be crucial for the synchronisation of the Baltic power grids with the power grid of continental Europe, as well as for the development of the regional gas infrastructure and the establishment of the gas market.
From 9 April to 11 April 2019, President of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis pays a state visit to Estonia. First Lady of Latvia Iveta Vējone accompanies the President of Latvia on the state visit to Estonia.
During his state visit to Estonia, the President of Latvia and First Lady of Latvia Iveta Vējone will have an extensive program in Tallinn, Paide, and Tartu, covering the political, economic, educational, and cultural cooperation of the countries. Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkēvičs, Minister of Economics Ralfs Nemiro, as well as official and business delegations accompany the President of Latvia on his visit.
Additional information
On Wednesday, 10 April 2019, the President of Latvia will also meet the Speaker of the Parliament (Riigikogu) of Estonia and the Prime Minister of Estonia. Later Raimonds Vējonis will visit the Commemorative Memorial for Victims of Communist Genocide in Tallinn, will participate in the international cybersecurity exercise Locked Shields, and will meet with representatives of the Latvian diaspora in Estonia. The presidential couple will also attend the state dinner held in honour of the visit of the President of Latvia.
When continuing his state visit to Estonia, President of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis will visit Paide on 11 April 2019, where the manufacturing plant of Latvian Building Supplies Company Sakret has been operating for several years. The company will host a round table discussion “Trends of Labour Market Development”. Then, later on, the President of Latvia will deliver a speech at the University of Tartu, he will meet with the Mayor of Tartu, and he will lay flowers at the graveyard of Latvian riflemen and Latvian refugees killed in the First World War. At the end of the visit, the Ambassador of Latvia to Estonia will host a reception and an official farewell ceremony of both Presidents at the Estonian National Museum.
