2024-03-29 22:04:53
The award for the contribution to Latvia’s membership in NATO was presented by the President Edgars Rinkēvičs. In his address, he emphasized the particularly important role of Vīķes-Freiberga on the way to joining NATO, as well as in creating awareness in Latvian society about NATO and strengthening security.
“In the summer of 1999, Vīķe-Freiberga became the mistress of Riga Castle. It was a time when there was a lot of uncertainty and a lot to be done. A lot depended on how our country would be positioned in the international community by both the President and the government. Vīķe-Freiberga was able to quickly win the trust of the allies and convince them that we are the same as them, that we have the same values and that the Baltic states will be able to give something to the collective security, not just take,” emphasized Rinkēvičs.
He emphasized that Vīke-Freiberga, with her psychologist’s education, experience and reasoning abilities, was able to make these doubts and delusions disappear in a very short time together with the other countries that were invited to join the alliance at the Prague summit in 2002.
“Today, we definitely understand that all those difficult decisions, which at the time seemed terrible from the point of view of domestic politics and public support, were the most correct thing we could have done. Vīke-Freiberga was not shy about saying harsh words not only outside, but also here, in Latvia, encouraging to amend the laws and do as it is necessary for the long-term interests of the country,” said the President.
Rinkēvičs assessed that Vīķe-Freiberga also provided inspiration to diplomats, officers of the armed forces and civil servants who worked on the NATO integration process at that time. In the words of the president, “this is the day when we say thank you to all those who worked at different times and positions for the country to become a full member of NATO”.
The President emphasized that today membership in NATO is one of Latvia’s security guarantees and allows to improve the state’s defense capabilities. At the same time, Rinkēvičs reminded that this year, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Latvia’s membership and the 75th anniversary of NATO, we must work together and explain the importance of NATO to our society, as well as strengthen our defense together with our allies.
“This is the day when we remind ourselves and society that we are in the safest situation we can be in – we are a member of both NATO and the European Union. We understand very well that we will have to do a lot to strengthen our national defense, because security is not a result – security is a process. Security, like independence, must be taken care of every day,” the President emphasized.
2024-03-29 22:04:53