The international de jure recognition of the Republic of Latvia meant that Latvia became subject to international law, and it could establish diplomatic relations with other states, appoint envoys, accede to international conventions, enter into multilateral agreements, take part in and organize international conferences.
Latvia marks International Recognition De Iure Day, grateful to our diplomats who work tirelessly to represent our nation and to all allies and partners for their continuous support. The most important task for 🇱🇻 diplomacy is to strenghten our security and to help 🇺🇦
— Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) January 26, 2023
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a release on January 25 that on the eve of the celebration, an official reception was held in recognition of the day, with Ministers, members of the Saeima, Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary accredited to the Republic of Latvia, foreign Honorary Consuls, former ambassadors, retired employees of the Ministry, and other cooperation partners.
As every year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkēvičs also met with the non-resident Ambassadors to Latvia for a discussion on current foreign policy developments.
The Minister Rinkēvičs was quoted: "The past year was very complicated, very challenging. Largely, it was the year of Ukraine. I can express my admiration for the Ukrainian people, for their spirit of resistance demonstrated in the fight against Russian aggression.
"I am very proud that, from the very first hours of Russia’s aggression, the society, the people, and the diplomatic corps of Latvia were providing, and continue providing Ukrainians with great military, practical, political and moral assistance. This is the merit of our society, of our cooperation partners and of our diplomats as well. I would like to put the spotlight on our colleagues who have been working and continue working at our embassies in Ukraine and Poland, and those who are also working at the embassy in Moscow and the consulate in Vitsebsk, in difficult conditions. And those at the Ministry – be it the sanctions or development cooperation policy, or bilateral cooperation, or security policy. They have accomplished much and will keep going in order to strengthen security and resilience of our country, and help Ukraine."
Edgars Rinkēvičs thanked the Foreign Ministry diplomats and presented them with the Certificates of Recognition from the Cabinet of Ministers for their contribution to the work of the Foreign Service and shaping of the national foreign policy.