On 8 September, President Edgars Rinkēvičs paid a working visit to Rēzekne Municipality, where he discussed current priorities with the leadership of the municipal council. The President visited the base of the National Armed Forces’ National Guard 3rd Latgale Brigade 36th Combat Support Battalion in Lūznava, where the first conscripts of the National Defence Service are currently serving, and learned about the establishment of General Pēteris Radziņš Vocational Secondary School at Malta Secondary School.
During the meeting with the leadership of Rēzekne Municipality, President Edgars Rinkēvičs addressed matters of defence and resilience, the municipal budget for the coming year, and the availability of housing and public transport services in the municipality. The President and municipal representatives agreed that the development of the National Armed Forces’ base in Lūznava, the presence of National Defence Service soldiers, and the creation of a vocational secondary school with a military focus in Malta would significantly strengthen security in Rēzekne Municipality and promote public awareness and involvement in comprehensive national defence.
At the National Guard 36th Combat Support Battalion base in Lūznava, the President familiarised himself with the development of the base’s infrastructure, living conditions and training process. He also learned about the organisation of the first National Defence Service conscription and how the newly recruited soldiers were integrated into the training process.
“I had the opportunity to compare this with what I saw in 2024, before the enlistment of National Defence Service soldiers in Lūznava. While there have been improvements, further investment in the development of the base’s infrastructure is necessary,” emphasised E. Rinkēvičs.
At Malta Secondary School, the President discussed the establishment of General Pēteris Radziņš Vocational Secondary School, which will play an important role in the education system not only in Rēzekne Municipality but also across Latvia. The future vocational secondary school with a military focus will offer education in exact science subjects and physical training.
During his working visit, President Edgars Rinkēvičs also met with ceramicist Dace Losāne, who continues the Latgale ceramics tradition, at her workshop “Pīterkalns”, visited the organic farm “Liepkalns”, and met with local residents at the Viļāni Cultural Centre.
