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Ladies and Gentlemen,
Friends and Colleagues,
Today is a great day for all our nations. The legal formalities for joining NATO are complete. The Alliance takes the biggest enlargement step in its fifty five year history.
At such a moment, there is of course a temptation to look back into our history, to recall the fate of generations of Latvia’s people who lived under oppression but didn’t give up their hope that freedom and democracy will prevail. On this occasion may I express my gratitude to the United States Government for the support our nation has experienced during all those long years of the Soviet occupation. Your support has brought us to this historic moment today.
But it is even more important to look to the future, our common future. The political maps may change, but the basic task remains the same – to promote freedom, peace and democracy, and to make the World a safer place for all people to live and prosper.
From this day on Latvia is and will be a trustful member of NATO. We know the gains this Alliance brings to our country and we also know our obligations and commitments too.
We are bound to be together in good times and difficult situations as well. Here I would like to speak about confronting the most dangerous threat of our time – international terrorism.
We fully understand that terrorism cannot be appeased – we have to oppose it. And that is why Latvia will stand together alongside with the United States and other Allies in the fight against international terrorism. We will continue our active involvement in the operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. And we will develop our defence capabilities accordingly – in order to be able to participate effectively in international operations in the future.
Already today we are providing our military specialists for so called niche capabilities. They are of a great value. That shows that each and every country – big or small, has something to offer to this great Alliance.
From the 1st of May Latvia will be a member of the European Union as well. I sincerely believe that America and Europe has shared goals and values. It is of crucial importance that Europe and the United States act in solidarity. Latvia will stand for a strong transatlantic link. That will make the Euro Atlantic area more safe and prosperous.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you!
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