I would like to extend my gratitude to the President of Iceland for the immeasurable support his country demonstrated in August 1991, when Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania proclaimed the restoration of their independence. Iceland was the first country in the world to recognise the independence of all three Baltic States. That was a crucial step as it affected the fact that other countries of the world continued to recognise all the three Baltic States.
Therefore, we have a real honour to celebrate the Centenary of Latvia now, where from a part of our nation’s life has passed in the occupation, but now we are a free and independent state. That courageous act of Iceland is a vivid demonstration of the importance of a decisive decision by small nations at historic moments. That is also a positive example of the fact that small countries can influence international processes. We can learn our lesson from that, because we often say in Latvia, “What can we do as a small country?” Iceland showed how small countries affect processes, so we have the best example to learn from.
Although the distance between our countries is great, we share the coexistence and cooperation in the Baltic and Nordic regions in different formats. Our countries are partners in NATO and the European Economic Area. I would like to note co-operation in NATO in particular as security challenges that the Baltic, Nordic, and Arctic regions face are very similar and closely interrelated. Therefore, during the meeting with the President of Iceland today, we agreed that the decisions taken at the NATO Brussels Summit on the establishment of NATO Atlantic Command were very important, as they would help ensuring the free movement of allied forces across the Atlantic Ocean. Many thanks to Iceland for its participation in the enhanced NATO presence in the Baltic region, because it contributes greatly to strengthening security.
I would like to thank Iceland for its support provided using the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism. It is an opportunity to implement good projects engaging not only entrepreneurs from Latvia and Iceland but also representatives of local governments and the public. It is a great contribution to strengthening our bilateral relations.
It should be acknowledged that both parties appreciate the fact that our compatriots living and working in Iceland make a great contribution to strengthening both the national economies of Iceland and Latvia and establish people-to-people contacts, thus strengthening the relations between the two countries.
In conclusion, I would like to congratulate Iceland on the hundredth anniversary since sovereignty of Iceland was obtained on 1 December 1918. It was a major step on the path of Iceland towards proclaiming full independence of the country in 1944. I would like to convey the best greetings and wishes from the people of Latvia to the people of Iceland on such a historic centennial anniversary.
Mr President, thank you very much for your visit at such an important time as Latvia celebrates its centenary of independence! Of course, I am convinced that our cooperation between Latvia and Iceland will grow stronger both at the political and economic level and in people-to-people contacts.
