Address by the President of the Republic of Latvia: A prologue to the next 100 years of Latvia—US relations

When word reached Latvia in July 1922 that its recently proclaimed independence had been recognized de iure by the US, one local newspaper editorial summed it up perfectly: “This event has a great and lasting significance for the fate of our country in the distant future. Today’s strongest superpower recognizes our country’s right to exist. From a political point of view, we can consider our independence safe. It is now our task to take care of her provision also in economic terms, which can be achieved with peace and order, with hard work and frugality in the internal life of the country and with a wise, peaceful and far-sighted foreign policy.”1

As it turned out, Latvia’s independence lasted only two decades before being lost for half a century and regained in 1991. Yet thanks to the US policy of non-recognition of the Soviet occupation, declared by Sumner Welles in 1940, Latvia’s statehood continued throughout. The events and issues of the past 100 years have been extensively described in this publication. Let me therefore offer here a brief prologue to the next 100 years of US—Latvia relations.

We can only guess the future, based on knowledge of the past and an understanding of current processes. Predictions, even by clairvoyants, are often wrong. We can, however, clearly define and live by our values as we face the unknown. The US—Latvia relationship is founded on shared values, including freedom, democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, patriotism and equality. Since 2004 we have also upheld a mutual commitment as allies in NATO. As a frontier state, Latvia appreciates the sizeable military support by the US for its defense.

Perhaps due to its historical experience and size, Latvia is a keen supporter of multilateralism and the rules-based international order

established by the Charter of the United Nations in San Francisco in 1945. This year, Russia, a founding member with a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, launched a full-scale invasion and war against neighboring Ukraine, a sovereign European state. The brave Ukrainians are fighting not only for the freedom of their country, but also for Latvia and all Europe. Continued military aid to Ukraine will be crucial in bringing it closer to victory and achieving a just peace in Europe. Russia’s war against Ukraine is not “another local war”. It is a battle between those who respect international law and those who believe might is right.

All aspects of life, including war, have been transformed in the digital age. While technological advances, many of them coming from the US, bring great improvements to our daily lives, they also create new risks to individuals and societies. Disinformation spreads easily on social media and distorts our democracy. Populists have a simple answer to all our complex issues. Given Latvia’s historical experience in recognizing lies and fighting for freedom of speech, I believe we can work closely with the US to fight disinformation and defend our democracies.

If there is one prediction we can believe, it is the dire warning by scientists about the devastating consequences of climate change. This will impact societies around the globe in different ways. Latvia and the US share a commitment to energy security and fighting climate change — these two goals, in combination with digital transformation, could drive our economic cooperation in the coming decades.

The human bond is central to the US—Latvia relationship. Hundreds of thousands of Latvians have made a new home in the US over the past century and even earlier. Those who found refuge in the US after World War II have made a significant contribution to their new homeland, whilst retaining their Latvian heritage. These personal ties continue to flourish today. I hope that more and more Americans will discover Latvia as a destination for investment, tourism and education.

Despite — or because of — all the current geopolitical and social challenges that require our attention, I trust the US—Latvia relationship will remain strong and continue to grow in the years to come.

God Bless America! Dievs, svētī Latviju!

1 Liepājas Avīze, 1922. gada 29. jūlijs.