November 18th, 1918 is a milestone date to all Latvians - the birthday of our independence and sovereignty

This year we are celebrating Latvia's ninetieth anniversary.

Latvia's 'race' in the arena of strengthening its statehood and in foreign policy has already been noteworthy and has duly earned the designation of a success story also in the international environment.

Latvia can be genuinely proud of its freedom and its statehood, of its people and their achievements far and near within its borders, in universities all over the world, in concert halls, art galleries and theatre festivals, in research laboratories and in medicine, in international military and civil operations, in diplomatic missions, in European institutions and in the business environment.

We can take pride in the initiative, energy, enthusiasm and personal growth of our people; in the high evaluation of our country's experience, and in the opportunity to transfer this experience to new democracies and new enthusiasts.

The world sees us as a good people and as a good state.

It is worth bearing in mind that our statehood is not a static entity, but a dynamic value, and we ourselves are the strength and the driving force of it.

Thus on the threshold of approaching our centenary, I would like to wish my country - Latvia - and its people more and more respect and recognition in the world, more willpower and determination for all of us!

Māris Riekstiņš

Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia