We are very fortunate to have landed in Riga on June 24th, Jāņi day, a very special date in Latvian calendar. One of the well-known traditions of Jāņi is to wear wreaths made of oak leaves, a symbol of strength.
Precisely, the history of Latvia is one of strength in its quest for independence. Present times are challenging, but Latvia is not and will not be alone.
Our bilateral ties go far back in history. Spain today −and for the future− is determined to continue working with Latvia to intensify our educational, cultural, economic and scientific relations, together with the progressive increase in tourist flows. Today, for example, in the field of education, we are proud to see that an increasing number of schools all over Latvia are teaching Spanish language, and that the number of Latvians interested in learning Spanish is growing year after year. Your country is doing a great effort to meet this growing demand.
Spain is also willing to help Latvia to strengthen its ties with the Mediterranean and Latin American regions. In the same way, Latvia is key for our presence in this Baltic region. Spain is convinced of the value and opportunities that becoming a stable and strong partner with Latvia will bring, not only in terms of security and regional cooperation, but also in the search of concerted economic development. Something that is already happening with the participation of Spanish companies in the great infrastructure project that Rail Baltica represents for the region and for the whole of the European Union.
This outstanding European project can be the first milestone in a road of many other common economic projects. Many Spanish companies are global leaders in their sectors and could contribute to the common development of our economies and joint welfare.
"...although at the opposite sides of the European continent, we share a set of values and principles that transcend geographical boundaries. In this sense, I would like to emphasize Spain's solidarity and firm support of Ukraine ..."
Mr. President,
Our countries are both members of the NATO Alliance and it is precisely in the framework of NATO where many men and women of the Spanish Armed Forces, are a part of the joint effort to protect Latvia and our common European borders from external aggressions.
The Spanish Army contingent in Adazi Military Base −with the eFP Battle Group, which we will later visit−, the NASAMS air defence battery in Lielvarde are a good case in point. The Spanish Air Force F-18 fighter jets of the BAP−(Baltic Air Policing) Mission, stationed in Lithuania, our Navy’s aircraft carrier Juan Carlos I (L-61) and the frigate F-101 Blas de Lezo —part of the Daedalus 24 Combat Group, we visited in Tallin, after participating in the Baltops 24 exercise, Estonia— all share the task of keeping safe the Latvian land, sea and air space.
This commitment is the best example that, although at the opposite sides of the European continent, we share a set of values and principles that transcend geographical boundaries.
In this sense, I would like to emphasize Spain's solidarity and firm support of Ukraine, and the struggle of the Ukrainian armed forces and people to defend their territorial integrity, independence and national sovereignty. Like Latvia, Spain will do everything necessary within the NATO and European Union frameworks to help Ukraine, not only in its current hard-core fight against this over two year-long unjustified Russian aggression, but also in its future need for reconstruction, and the perspective of becoming part of the EU, along with Moldova and the rest of the candidate countries.
Latvia regained its independence more than three decades ago, thanks to its determination and effort. Today it is a clear example of how a country has been able to fully integrate into European and Atlantic institutions and take a leading role in the international arena. As a small contribution to Latriás admirable effort in this sense, Spain fully endorses its candidacy to become a 1st-time member of the UNSC for the term 2026-2027.
Mr. President,
Latvia may always count on Spain to contribute whatever solidarity or cooperative efforts are necessary for the good of our countries and the future of Europe.
I, therefore, raise my glass in honour of Your Excellency, in honour of the Latvian people and of the excellent relations that unite our two countries.
Prieka!