Madam Speaker of the Saeima!
Mr Prime Minister!
Mr Minister for Justice!
Members of the Saeima!
Eminences, bishops, priests and clergy!
Everyone present, ladies and gentlemen!
First of all, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Mr Grasbergs for the invitation, for initiating this, in my view, very important and meaningful tradition of the Prayer Breakfast, and for ensuring its continuation. I believe it is very important that, whatever our everyday convictions – whether political, ideological or relating to how we should live our lives – we all remember that there are fundamental beliefs and values that unite us. I am very pleased to see so many people of goodwill gathered in this hall, which, I believe, is already becoming too small and may at some point require us to consider moving to a larger venue. They are people who share the conviction that, for our country, our nation and our society can develop, we must first talk and reflect on how to achieve that development and how each of us can contribute to making our country and society better.
I believe that genuine mutual understanding begins, first and foremost, with dialogue. With listening. With truly hearing one another. With respect. With respect for one another. With the ability to engage in dialogue in a respectful manner. And with mutual support, even when we do not always agree with one another. And, in my view, looking at what is happening in the world at the moment, these things are no longer quite so self-evident. In a sense, we are living in an age of indifference and superficiality. It is precisely in such times that we must all seek and find the strength and faith to believe in what is good. Faith in ourselves first and foremost, faith in our people and in our country. For many, this also means faith in God. We are all different. Yet there are values that remain fundamental to us all. Our Latvia is built not only on respect, but also on love and mutual trust. Only in this way will we be able to weather these turbulent times.
At the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Aglona this year, I said that we must safeguard Latvia both physically and spiritually. We must not allow ourselves to be diminished or sell ourselves short. Although we sometimes remind ourselves that we must not quarrel, the truth is that we simply must not allow ourselves to descend into petty disputes. We must not give in to evil, hatred, prejudice or intolerance.
Any form of hatred – whether directed against Latvians or people of other nationalities, people with different political or religious convictions, or people of different races – is destructive. It undermines unity and development, and breeds stagnation and division. These are matters that we must reflect upon and actively work to address.
When I entered this building this morning, I was greeted by Ms Mieriņa. We smiled at the fact that I was still entering the building of the 14th Saeima. The 14th Saeima will soon conclude its work, and the 15th Saeima will convene as early as next week. I would like to take this opportunity, first and foremost, to express my sincere thanks to Ms Mieriņa and to all Members of the 14th Saeima for everything you have done since the very first day you entered this building and began your work. Each of you came here with the conviction that you could help make our country a better place. Your daily work has often brought disappointment, but also a sense of fulfilment. I am convinced that many of you who are now leaving this building will do so with a sense of satisfaction and pride in the work you have accomplished. Thank you!
May this morning be a time for reflection for you all! May this time be filled with peace, joy and valuable insights for us all!
