Reception in honor of the 106th Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia

On November 12, 2024, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to the United States Elita Kuzma with Major General Ivo Mogiļnijs, First Rank Defence, Military, Air and Naval Attaché to the USA, held a reception in honor of the 106th Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia.

Ambassador Elita Kuzma remarked that the Proclamation Day celebration was held in honor of “those who helped the dream of an independent and democratic Latvia to become a reality – statesmen, diplomats and brave representatives of the armed forces”. Ambassador recalled the role that the Latvia’s diplomatic service played while in exile during the occupation period and recognized the significant role the United States played by not recognizing the annexation and illegal incorporation of Latvia into the Soviet Union by adopting the Welles Declaration, thereby creating the prerequisites for the successful return of Latvia and the Baltic States to the international community and the transatlantic family.

“Latvia and the United States as strategic allies strengthen their ties on a daily basis in ensuring that the security and defense, economic security, mutual trade, investment and innovation benefit our two countries and contributes to transatlantic sustainability and prosperity,” remarked Ambassador Kuzma. Ambassador Kuzma remarked that Latvia is campaigning to become an Elected Member of the United Nation’s Security Council for the term of 2026-2027, saying: “Latvia intends to bring its unique perspective to strengthen the resilience of the international system – from building peace and preventing conflicts to increasing the collective ability to address the full spectrum of existing and emerging challenges. We believe in the importance of doing it together with UN Member States, regional organizations, civil society and youth.”

Ambassador Elita Kuzma emphasized the role Latvian Americans have had in the preservation of the Latvian language and culture: “Latvians have a long and proud history of showcasing their heritage and artistic abilities in the United States. From Mark Rothko and Mikhail Baryshnikov to world renowned composer Lolita Ritmanis. Art now serves as the ship we take our culture across the Great Pond. Today the future European Capital of Culture - the NATO port city of Liepaja and with its Symphony Orchestra is building transatlantic cultural bridges with Hollywood. Latvians have always shone their brightest light across America while honoring their Latvian roots. Our Latvian community in the United States has always helped by nurturing our culture, our language and upholding our traditions, and by doing so they have helped to build a better future for Latvia.”

Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Sharon Hudson-Dean remarked the close bilateral relationship between Latvia and the United States, reminding of the recent visit of President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, to California to bolster economical ties. She remarked on the persevering history of Latvia’s ties with the United States, noting that the United States is a close and a strategic ally to Latvia.

Major General Ivo Mogiļnijs remarked that it’s been 106 years since Latvia began to form its national armed forces that fought for and successfully defended Latvia’s independence, noting “it was possible because of the bravery and heroism of Latvian soldiers, as well as because of the support of our allies”.

Major General Mogiļnijs highlighted “the 31 years of cooperation and friendship with Michigan National Guard under the state partnership program, which has become truly comprehensive and mutually beneficial.” While expressing gratitude to Assistant Adjutant General Brigadier-General Ravindra Wagh from Michigan National Guard for attending the event.

The reception in honor of the 106th Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia was hosted after the high-level panel discussion “Women’s participation in the future of technology: security, ethics and culture”. The event will be implemented as part of the public diplomacy programme in support of the lobby campaign of Latvia’s candidacy for the United Nations Security Council. The campaign under the motto of “Together for peace and resilience” aims at ensuring successful election of Latvia to the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term in the 2025 election, at which Latvia is running for an elected member’s seat for the first time. Membership of the UNSC will be a key instrument in pursuit and protection of Latvia’s foreign policy interests, as well as making it possible for Latvia to expand the scale of its international cooperation and thereby contributing to world peace and resilience.