The order was awarded for special merit for the benefit of the Latvian state, for significant personal contribution to Latvian-Canadian cooperation in the military field, and for strengthening the defense capabilities and security of the Latvian state.
Upon receiving the Order of Viesturs, Kirstein said:
"Thank you. To receive this award is a great, great honor. I've been fortunate to serve here for four of the last five years. Although I am not a Latvian, Latvia is like home in my heart. The order of Viesturs reminds me of the strength of Latvia, and I am greatly honored that I have been part of keeping Latvia strong and free forever. I am so proud that cooperation with Canada and Latvia is growing and I hope that it will continue for years to come. I would like to thank the Latvian National Armed Forces for their cooperation over the last seven years – I know I will miss working with you! Long live Latvia! Thank you."
Latvia and Canada signed a declaration to extend NATO's presence in Latvia at the 2022 NATO summit in Madrid. Last year, ahead of the NATO summit in Vilnius, Latvian and Canadian defense ministers signed a road map that sets out steps to turn the NATO battle group in Latvia into a fully prepared multinational brigade.
