Join in Centenary celebrations together with the Latvian Foreign Service
On 18 November 1919, to mark the first anniversary of the Republic of Latvia, its first Foreign Minister, Zigfrīds Anna Meierovics, wrote in the official government gazette, Valdības Vēstnesis [Latvian Herald]:
[..] The state of Latvia, having achieved the recognition of its de facto independence by the allied powers, has acquired several de iure rights of sovereign states, thereby winning for itself, step by step, a rightful and deserving place among other free states [..] Latvia is in the making! In the making, despite all our big and strong historical enemies; it is going to be beautiful and free, created by the Latvians’ own hands, cemented with the precious blood of our sons [..]
A fragment form an article “The Foreign Policy of Latvia” by Zigfrīds Anna Meierovics – Valdības Vēstnesis, the official gazette of the Provisional Government of Latvia, 18.11.1918, No 64, p.7.
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Since the very inception of the Latvian diplomatic service, all its endeavours have always been closely interlinked with the destiny of our state and our nation. By their daily work, Latvian diplomats add to the security and successful development of the country and the well-being of its people. We have always been aware of Latvia’s affinity with European culture and have aspired to build stronger links between European nations. With the restoration of Latvia’s independence, we have again been given a chance to be part of building a democratic, strong, secure and dynamic Europe.
In line with with the Ministry of Culture report “On the Programme for the Centenary of the Republic of Latvia 2017–2020” approved at the Cabinet meeting of 13 December 2016 and the Cabinet Decree No 769 “On the distribution of state budget funds allocated for the implementation of the Programme for the Centenary of the Republic of Latvia 2017–2020”, the Foreign Ministry’s public diplomacy programme for celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Latvia has been included in the Latvia 100 international programme.
The Foreign Ministry’s public diplomacy programme for the centennial of Latvia (2017–2021) is designed with a view to contributing significantly to the priority areas of Latvia’s foreign policy – Latvia’s economic growth, strengthening security, fostering unity and effectiveness of the EU, being an active player in the European Neighbourhood Policy.
In this context, the centennial programme is a perfect opportunity for drawing our foreign partners’ attention to what Latvia has achieved and promoting further cooperation through projects – in economy, security, culture, education and other realms.
The public diplomacy programme coordinated by the Foreign Ministry offers support for lasting cooperation between various institutions and the private sector in Latvia and abroad, and the strengthening of Latvia’s intellectual and economic competitiveness.
The Foreign Ministry’s public diplomacy programme for the centennial of Latvia works in seven targeted sub-programmes. They explore and explain our country’s history, bring people together and inspire them for Latvia’s future, support cooperation projects between distinguished personalities in filmmaking, literature, music and visual arts, and seek to create a festive mood for celebrating one hundred years of the Republic of Latvia worldwide.
Latvia’s centennial programme jointly communicated abroad by the Ministries of Culture and Foreign Affairs, the Latvian Institute, the State Chancellery, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) is a common framework for mutually complementary events in other countries.
Follow Latvia’s centennial programme abroad and celebrate the 100th anniversary of our country!