Analytics, Direct Speech, Latvia, Legislation, USA

Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis:

“Good morning, dear representatives of mass media,

First of all, let me tank Mrs Hillary Clinton, the U.S. State Secretary, for this visit to Riga. I think it is a clear evidence of strategic partnership between the U.S. and Latvia. It also shows that the U.S. is interested in both furthering our bilateral relationship and processes taking place in this region of Europe, their economic, political and security aspects.

During today’s meeting we shall focus on issues linked to both our bilateral relationship and cooperation in various international organisations. We will talk about economic situation in Europe and ways of building stronger bilateral economic ties with the U.S. based on economic recovery of Latvia. We will also cover issues linked to the regional energy policy and are looking forward to the position and expertise of the U.S. in this regard. We will also discuss our cooperation within NATO, general aspects of Trans-Atlantic relationship and various international missions, including international mission to Afghanistan and the Northern Distribution Network where Latvia has agreed to assume the central role.

Let me also express our gratitude for the outcomes of the NATO Chicago Summit that endorsed the Baltic Air-Policing Mission and thank the U.S. in particular for supporting Latvia on this issue.

In conclusion I would like to once again thank Mrs Clinton, the U.S. State Secretary, for the visit. It, no doubt, proves that the relationship between the U.S. and Latvia is indeed thriving, and I hope that in future it will continue to develop along the same positive lines.”

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton:

“Prime Minister,

Thank you very much for those warm words of solidarity and partnership. Certainly, the United States highly values our relationship with Latvia. We were proud never to have waivered in supporting the independence of Latvia and the Latvian people. And we are proud now to be a partner of a free Latvia. And I want to commend you and your government for the very difficult decisions that you took in terribly challenging economic circumstances to chart a path forward that will provide a stable, prosperous future for the people of this country.

We also highly value our relationship in our Alliance of NATO and commend Latvia for your participation in Afghanistan and the central role that you play in the Northern Distribution Network. We were proud in Chicago to endorse for the future the Baltic Air-Policing Mission that demonstrates tangibly the commitment that the United States and NATO has to the defence of Latvia. We think there is a great deal of work that we can do together to further the prosperity and energy security of Latvia. There will be a U.S. Business Mission coming to Latvia, the U.S. Congressional Delegation is coming to Latvia in the next few weeks, which demonstrates in a very personal way our commitment to you.

And on a personal note, I well remember my visit here with my husband in 1994, when we were able to see the beginning of the Latvian sovereign independence in those early years when you consolidated your freedom. And the speech that he made in that square here in Riga, talking about both the opportunities and responsibilities of freedom.