Foreign Minister Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis opens event dedicated to 20th anniversary of renewed Latvian-Canadian diplomatic relations

On 31 August at the Embassy of Canada in Riga, Foreign Minister Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis and the Ambassador of Canada to Latvia Scott Heatherington opened the event dedicated to the 20^th anniversary of the restoration of Latvian-Canadian bilateral relations. When addressing the audience, the Minister expressed gratitude to the Government of Canada which was the first of G7 countries to renew diplomatic relations with the Baltic states on 26 August 1991. Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis noted the invaluable support of Canada for Latvia’s joining NATO. Canada was also the first to ratify the protocol on the accession of new member states to the Alliance. The Government of Canada has provided significant support for the development of institutions and organisations in Latvia through funding co-operation projects in the fields of environmental protection, education, society integration, the reform of the judiciary, health and social system.

”Twenty years is a point of reference, when we can look back and see what has been achieved; nevertheless, it is important to look forward at the opportunities not yet utilised and see how our close relationship could be enhanced and expanded in order to make our friendship even more sincere and mutually advantageous,” said the minister and indicated that the current initiatives should be continued towards the strengthening of economic ties: promoting co-operation between ports, evaluating opportunities in the energy sector and facilitating the exchange of students and teachers.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs regards Latvian-Canadian bilateral relations as constructive; both countries also engage in successful co-operation within international organisations. Latvia and Canada both are committed to the strengthening of democracy and to global economic and social development. Latvia successfully co-operates with Canada at the parliamentary and governmental level, as well as at the level of academic, non-governmental and Professional organisations. The community of Latvians in Canada actively contributes to strengthening Latvian-Canadian bilateral relations.