I sincerely congratulate friendly Latvia and Latvian people on Independence Day! On this day in 1918 the People’s Council of Latvia proclaimed the independence of the country.
The total economic, military, humanitarian and financial support of Latvia to Ukraine has already amounted to 1% of GDP! This is an incredible indicator of true humanity, friendship and partnership.
Latvia has hospitably sheltered more than 40 thousand Ukrainian citizens fleeing the war. Since the first days of the russian invasion, Latvian cities such as Riga, as well as numerous volunteer organizations, have been providing invaluable humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people.
I also note the determination and courage of the Latvian Saeima in making decisions in support of Ukraine. The Latvian Parliament was among the first to respond to the appeal of the Verkhovna Rada and recognize the actions of the russian federation as terrorism and russia as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Latvian deputies recognized the crimes of russia in Ukraine as genocide. The Latvian Parliament also adopted a statement in support of granting Ukraine the status of a candidate country for membership in the European Union. The Latvian Parliament has become an example for other countries and parliaments of the world to follow in its political support of Ukraine.
Latvia has also shown leadership in bringing russian war criminals to international criminal responsibility. It was one of the first countries to join the case of Ukraine against russia in the International Court of Justice under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
In the most difficult times, the people of Latvia extended to the Ukrainian people their embrace of support, understanding, empathy, solidarity, readiness to fight together and to the end – until the victory of Ukraine. And we will never forget it!
