Mr President!
Mrs Pavlova!
Your Excellencies!
Ladies and gentlemen!
It is my sincere pleasure and honour to welcome you on your state visit to Latvia! This is a special visit. The last time we had the honour of hosting a Czech President on a state visit was exactly thirty years ago, when President Václav Havel visited Latvia. Both then and now, the Czech Republic and Latvia have much in common.
The histories of our nations have remarkable similarities. We are nations that freed ourselves from empires and gained independence. We lost that independence. We resisted and survived fifty years behind the Iron Curtain. We ultimately regained our statehood and freedom. We returned to where both Latvia and the Czech Republic have always belonged – Europe. Today we stand shoulder to shoulder in defending our interests within the European Union, NATO and other international institutions.
Yet it is not only history that unites us. The spirit and courage of the Czech people have resonated with Latvians throughout the centuries. The words of the poet František Ladislav Čelakovský unite us when we sing the interpretation by Juris Alunāns in “Nevis slinkojot un pūstot”.
In Kafka’s world, where realism collides with absurdity, one fears waking up one morning transformed into an insect. The self-irony and satire of Švejk reminds us not to allow a great power to break us from within. The Prague Spring, had profound reverberations in Latvia, reinforcing internal resistance to the Soviet regime.
One of our shared cultural treasures is the fairy-tale film “Sprīdītis”. It tells the story of a boy who, after searching for a better life, returns to the happiest land of all – home.
Home, where nature is cherished, as demonstrated by the enthusiasts of our shared national sport – mushroom picking - who venture into the forests knives and baskets in hand.
We also share one universal language – a love for ice hockey. We follow our national teams with pride and enthusiasm. On those occasions when the Latvian team wins, your ambassador must sometimes be prepared for friendly gatherings of Latvian hockey fans outside the Czech embassy, symbolically laying flowers by the fence. Although, quite often, it is your team that wins. But that is another story.
Your Excellencies!
We are getting to know each other better and better. The Latvian language can be heard at Charles University in Prague and at Masaryk University in Brno. The Czech language is taught at the University of Latvia.
Regular direct flights between Riga and Prague on airBaltic give our people the opportunity not only to take a break from everyday life, enjoying the mountains of Czech Republic and the plains of Latvia, but also to meet, establish new connections, and strengthen the economic ties between our countries.
Our successful economic cooperation dates back as far as 1922, when one of Latvia’s first trade agreements was signed.
It was therefore a particular pleasure today, to attend the Latvian–Czech Business Forum together with President Petr Pavel. Our economic cooperation has strong potential, especially in the defence industry and the field of biotechnology.
Our cooperation is on the right tracks – both railway and tram tracks.
Thanks to the Czech Republic, the global capital of castles, our Bauska Castle has regained its splendour. This is an example of long-standing and successful cooperation between Czech and Latvian experts, which you will have the opportunity to visit tomorrow. It should come as no surprise that the Czech reception will take place in Rundāle Palace, one of Latvia’s jewels.
Ladies and gentlemen!
The Czech Republic is an important ally and partner for Latvia. The historical experience of our region reminds us that freedom, democracy, and security must be cherished and protected.
Thank you for the Czech contribution to strengthening the security of Latvia and the Baltic region, and for the Czech presence in the NATO multinational brigade in Latvia.
Special thanks to you, Mr President, for your calm and firm stance and strong support for Ukraine in its fight against the aggressor, Russia. Ukraine’s security is our security, and its future is the future of Europe. It is our shared future.
Your Excellency Mr President! Mrs Pavlova!
Allow me to raise a toast to you and your health. To the Czech people. To the prosperity of our people and the bright future of our countries!
