On 23 August, President Rinkēvičs met with the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, to attend a ceremony dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Baltic Way in Pasvalys, Lithuania.
“I would first like to thank you for this wonderful opportunity to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Baltic Way near the Latvia-Lithuania border. On this day, the people of the Baltic States joined hands to demand their freedom and the restoration of independence of our states.
The Baltic Way was a vivid reminder to the world about the violations of international law and the violent policies of the Soviet totalitarian regime.
Standing united against injustice, oppression and violence, Lithuanians, Latvians and Estonians began their shared journey to restoring independence of their states. The Baltic Way was the beginning of our return to the democratic world. The Baltic Way demonstrated that our power lies within our unity and our desire for freedom.
Over the course of the past 35 years, the three Baltic States have attained goals, which back in 1989, seemed nearly impossible. For 20 years already we have been members of NATO – the most successful collective security organisation in the world. We are members of the European Union – a union for peace, stability and prosperity in Europe. We are here as two independent and free states.
This day, when the hearts of all people in the Baltics beat as one, holds a special place in our collective historical memory. This memory must be treasured and passed on to the next generations. We have to talk about the non-violent independence campaign implemented by our nations,
Both 35 years ago and today the Baltic Way clearly demonstrates the power of unity and mutual support. Today we stand with Ukraine as it fights for its right to exist, for its right to freedom. We will continue to stand with the heroic people of Ukraine until their victory over the aggressor!
We stand together with all nations and countries fighting for their freedom and independence. Next week, the presidents of the three Baltic States will visit Moldova to express our support to the people of Moldova in their journey to Europe and their journey to membership in a union of states that embodies the most freedom in the world.
May the strength and unanimity of the Baltics be invincible! May our strength and unanimity inspire others!
Long live Lithuania! Long live Latvia!”, President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs said at the celebratory event.
