President to Poland: thanks for backing us up

Take note – story published 6 years ago

On an official visit to Poland May 15 and 16, Latvian President Raimonds Vējonis took the opportunity to thank his host nation for its support of Latvia's security. 

Speaking after a meeting with his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda, Vējonis said: "The Polish contribution to Latvian security is a very important and symbolic. We greatly appreciate Polish participation in the NATO multinational battalion deployed to Latvia, which confirms that our countries have a common position on global and regional security challenges."

"Almost 100 years ago, in the battles to liberate Latgale [region in Eastern Latvia] in 1920, Latvian and Polish soldiers fought side by side to defeat the Bolsheviks. In times of complex threats, Poland and Latvia have joined forces. It was very important for our common security 100 years ago and it is just as important today," the President said, expressing gratitude to Poland for participation in the NATO Baltic air policing mission, as well as its role in the NATO Strategic Communications Center of Excellence (STRATCOMCOE) in Riga.

Vējonis also did his best to whip up support for the Rail Baltica project that will hopefully one day make it possible to catch a fast train from Riga to Warsaw.

"Rail Baltica is the region's largest and most important infrastructure project that will greatly improve mobility in the region, improve security and promote trade relations. I expect Poland and the Baltic countries to cooperate closely on the implementation of Rail Baltica. Poland is a very important partner of the Baltic countries by linking them to the European market, offering alternative gas supply routes and the promotion of energy security," he said. 

"It is also important to ensure future energy synchronization between the Baltic states and the rest of Europe in order to ensure a stable energy supply," Vējonis added.

The President also invited Andrzej Duda to come to Latvia next year, when the country will mark its centenary.

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