I am honoured to address you today at the second foreign policy debate. This is an excellent opportunity to speak to the representatives of the people and present the current foreign policy matters. It is significant that the debate takes place on 26 January, the day when 91 years ago the new state of Latvia was recognised internationally. This year we also mark the 125^th anniversary of the first Latvian Foreign Minister Zigfrīds Anna Meierovics, the man who made this great event happen. Still, this is also a day of special significance for me personally, this being the first time that I address the Saeima from this high rostrum.

    In my speech, I will briefly characterise the past year on a global scale and outline the tasks to be carried out during the tenure of the 11th Saeima, with a special focus on this year’s foreign policy priorities.

    Looking back to the year 2011 in the world, we can certainly call is a time of dynamic political and economic change.

    The Arab Spring not only deposed power elites in a number of Middle East states. It also inspired people all over the world to stand up for their rights to a free choice and opinion.

    Self-evident is Latvia’s affinity with, and support to the legitimate demands of Arab and other peoples for freedom and respect for human rights. It is also a matter of course that, being a member of the European Union, Latvia must give support to new governments so that, having overthrown authoritarianism, they could follow the path to democracy. Therefore, Latvia will support an active foreign policy of the European Union both in the southern and eastern direction. However, it is up to our partners themselves to decide the destinies of their states and people.  

    The year 2011 was a challenging year for the European Union and its member states. Some experts hastened to "ring funeral bells" for the European Union and preached apocalyptic development scenarios. I would advise against too much haste in preparing a funeral meal. Over more than fifty years of its existence, the European Union has demonstrated to the world that it is capable of rising up to the challenge, grow and get stronger. I am confident that this will be the case also this time. Today, European ideas and core values underlying the Union are more topical than ever before. 

    In 2011, the most vital gain of Latvia in terms of foreign policy was restoring the image of Latvia as a responsible and respected European Union member state who had brought its financial situation back into shape and had been able to make tough decisions. Our cooperation programme with international loan givers has been respectably completed. At this complex moment for the European Union, Latvia is a convincing example of what should be done by the states to deal decisively with their economic problems. At the same time, we were able to meet our commitments in the NATO alliance and avoid reducing our engagement in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan.

    The time in office of the 11th Saeima is marked in the foreign policy of Latvia as the "European period", in view of Latvia’s deep political, economic, educational and cultural embeddedness in Europe and its core values. It is important for us to achieve that the crisis in the European Union is overcome speedily and without lasting consequences. Therefore, Latvia’s foreign policy for 2011 will focus on reinforcing the European Union, overcoming the crisis within the European Union framework, and on integration with the European Union member states in the field of energy and transport. We will do what it takes to achieve that the transatlantic alliance evolves strong and efficient.

    Distinguished members of the Saeima,

    The time has come to ask questions that may seem simple, but in fact are quintessential. Why is European Union membership important for Latvia? What is Latvia’s place in the European Union?

    On 14 October 1995, all the position and opposition parties represented in the 6th Saeima signed a joint declaration on the accession of Latvia to the European Union; one of the paragraphs in the document stated that "This is a vital prerequisite for the survival of the Latvian nation and preserving the state of Latvia, and will enable Latvia to develop into a modern, democratic, secure and economically powerful European state". No doubt that also at present and from this point forward, the European Union is a vital precondition for Latvia’s future development. Therefore today, when making decisions on Latvia’s future in Europe, I call upon all political powers to demonstrate the same awareness of national interests, a sense of responsibility and capacity for cooperation that was present in the now-so-distant year 1995. 

    I have never doubted that Latvia’s participation in Euro-Atlantic structures was the mainstay of security of Latvia as a national state and groundwork for development. Not only due to pragmatic reasons, but also because our national identity is deeply rooted in the European values fostered for centuries. Also the bitter lessons of history testify to the need for forging alliances in order to secure statehood. A full development of national economy, for its part, can take place through attracting investment, knowledge and state-of-the-art technologies, which mostly come from the European Union member states. At present, eight out of ten main export partners are members of the European Union, nine out of ten biggest importers represent the European Union, and eight European Union member states are among key investors.

    The free trade area established within the European Union framework, a customs union, the Schengen Area, common currency, support for less-developed regions has brought major benefits for Europe and each its resident. The European Union is a global power – with a population of about half a billion, the largest economy in the world, the largest development assistance donor, 25% of transactions in the world being made in Euro. And all said and done, the European Union is a common system of values.  

    Notwithstanding all these obvious positives, we still today have a different understanding of the significance of being a member of the European Union. For some, it associates with a "milch cow" to get extra funds from, and squander those uncontrolled. Others believe that the European Union attempts to regulate each individual’s life and impose its will upon us.

    The best answer to all these different perceptions is a simple but very meaningful revelation: the European Unions is us. It is us who determine our own lives, and that of Europe, too.

    Latvian people have tragic experience from the times, when all and everyone in Europe were fighting for their own good, and the strongest and largest dominated. A stronger European Union, where we are present, and contribute to decision-making, is the best guarantee that we will not experience anything like that again.

    Distinguished parliamentarians!

    What is the European Union we wish to see? Our interests lie in a union of national states with equal rights, where each state and nation can advance its interests. It is a union without the domination of a single state or a group of states. Latvia’s interests lie in a union where the principle of solidarity, "all for one and one for all", is priority for each member. And we can secure this future only by being active participants in the process of eurointegration. 

    I would define Latvia’s priorities for the period in office of this Saeima as follows:

    First, Latvia wishes to be at the core of cooperation within the European Union. Our being part of that cooperation will be instrumental to how fast we achieve higher welfare standards for our people, how effectively we safeguard future security of our country, how successfully we develop cooperation with the Baltic states, our strategic partners and neighbours. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will make all effort to achieve that Latvia’s interests are taken into account. Therefore, I hope that the Saeima will advocate Latvia’s position in the core of European cooperation, also by supporting the new treaty on fiscal discipline, a treaty which has not a single provision that the government of Latvia would not already follow.  

    I am confident that Latvia will adopt a common, consolidated and strong European currency as planned by the Government.

    I would like to strongly emphasise that being in the core of European integration does not imply restrictions to sovereignty and succumbing to another country’s vision of a union; it is our explicit desire, together with our allies, to be active rulers of the future destiny of the European Union.   

    Second, to achieve results, favourable for the economic growth of Latvia, it is vital to negotiate conditions under the European Union budget for 2014-2020 that would be instrumental for the national interests of Latvia. The present Government has defined two areas of interest: cohesion, and direct payments to farmers. In pursuit of those goals, mutually acceptable solutions must be found with those states who currently make larger contributions to the European Union budget and whose vision is focused on establishing a strong and close-knit European Union.  

    A key to success in securing our priorities during the new budget period would be concerted action and joint work involving the Saeima, the Government structures, non-governmental organisations and social partners. Only joint efforts can yield the result.

    Third, the European Union is a dynamic player in the international arena, and Latvia, too, provides input to the formulation of the EU policy. Active participation in the European Union's common external and security policy contributes considerably to promoting Latvia's interests. In formulating the external economic relations strategy, we have been paying increased attention to building trade contacts with the leading players in global economy, for instance, China, India, Brazil etc. Latvia is interesting for these countries as a European Union member state capable of influencing also the positions and opinions of the European Union when it constructs a dialogue with them. Our interests lie in the formulation and implementation of an effective and concerted European Union's foreign policy. We saw the establishment of the European External Action Service, the aim of which is to coordinate the national positions of member states and enable the European Union to speak, as much as possible, with one voice. We expect the EEAS to deliver more effectively for the protection of the European Union's shared interests and the interests of the member states. These, too, are substantial arguments for Latvia to be in the centre of European decision-making.

    Latvia will support the streamlining of the Common Security and Defence Policy, seeking solutions to its more effective implementation. Key issues for Latvia are strengthening the European Union's civilian and military capabilities and cooperation between the European Union and NATO. There is never too much security.

    Fourth, the current Government's priorities include working towards regional integration in energy security and transport. This includes setting up a common energy market with the EU member states, including the construction of a liquefied natural gas terminal and integrating Baltic transport arteries into the common European system. The implementation of these projects requires deeper cooperation among the region's countries, which, like Latvia, see their future in a strong European Union.

    Fifth, in three years' time, Latvia will assume its first Presidency of the Council of the European Union. We must make use of this opportunity to define the Presidency priorities in line with the European Union, regional and national interests. To this end, in 2012, the Foreign Ministry will work on building a compact and efficient structure for preparing the Presidency – the Secretariat, draw up a realistic budget and train the required staff. It is the recruiting of personnel that currently raises concern, as already now experienced staff is draining away from public administration. Therefore, we must jointly deal with the issue today, also in the context of good governance in this state. The Presidency is an excellent opportunity for our country to demonstrate Latvian identity and culture. This combines well with the status of Riga as the European Capital of Culture for 2014.  

    Distinguished members of the parliament!

    The year 2012 is the "Year of the European Union" in the foreign policy of Latvia, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must channel most of its energy and attention towards this. But let us not forget also the strengthening of our external security.

    NATO was, and remains the mainstay of our security, and we must be aware that the efficiency of NATO lies in the attitude of each of its members towards its own defence and security. This finds reflection in the total power of the alliance. In recent years, Latvia has reduced its defence budget due to financial situation. I believe that Latvia must, in a targeted manner, work towards returning to defence expenditure at 2% of Gross Domestic Product.

    This year will see groundbreaking decisions in the NATO context. The agenda will include topics of interest for Latvia, such as the future of the Baltic air-policing mission, and Afghanistan. These matters will be discussed at the Chicago Summit to be held in spring.

    In Chicago, we shall look back at what has been accomplished in the context of the strategy for Afghanistan. From all my heart, I wish to thank our soldiers, police officers, firefighters and diplomats who are doing their duty in international operations. I want to say to all of you that the state of Latvia holds in high esteems your courage and selfless service. Although the situation in Afghanistan is stabilising gradually, there remains a lot of ground to cover, before Latvian soldiers can return home. It is in Latvia's interests that the transition process in the country would be successful and the work would continue on a common vision of the Alliance on NATO involvement in Afghanistan after 2014.

    I would also like to remind you that Latvia's ports are the gateway to the Northern Distribution Network, a transportation route which reaches as far as Afghanistan and serves to carry the cargo of the North Atlantic Alliance members. Our duty is to keep the route operational also following the year 2014, as part of the concept of the modern-day Silk Road.

    The priorities Latvia has set for 2012 also include the issue of a long-term solution to the Baltic air-space policing mission. Finding the solution would become a symbol for the political solidarity of the Alliance, especially under the conditions where the National Armed Forces of Latvia are actively engaged in international operations and are standing ready to provide their contribution to the enhancement of the Alliance's rapid response capabilities by offering additional funds to secure air-space patrolling.

    Latvia is looking with hope towards the NATO Summit in Chicago and is convinced that the Alliance will capture a new vision for its future activity. This summit meeting is also important for Latvia given the character of Latvian-U.S. relations. Our relationship with the United States remains dynamic and stable, as befits strategic partners. It is in Latvia's interests to facilitate cooperation with the U.S. not only in the field of security, where the contacts are traditionally very close, but also in other areas – economy, education, culture. 

    Esteemed members of the Saeima!

Latvia's interests lie in the development of a democratic and stable Russia, which build its relations with neighbours in line with the principles of mutual respect and understanding. To shape its relations with Russia, Latvia will fully exploit its potential of a member state of the European Union and NATO

    Agreements signed during the visit of President Valdis Zatlers at the end of 2010 are solid bases for further economic cooperation. We shall work towards a further strengthening of contacts also this year. Still, in building these relations, we are aware of the issues on which our opinions will remain different. It is more important to identify and develop common interests than spot the differences.

    Esteemed members of the Saeima!

    What will Latvia's foreign policy be like during the term in office of the 11th Saeima and the year 2012? This policy will be about the enhancement of Latvia's political and economic competitiveness. It will be about strengthening the country's security. 

    Latvia's foreign policy will be about an integrated, effective and modern European Union and NATO.

    Latvia's foreign policy will deal with a close regional cooperation of the Baltic and Nordic countries, Germany, and Poland, with a special focus on energy and transport.

    In order for Latvia to achieve its foreign policy objectives in 2012, the President, the Saeima, the Cabinet, social partners and non-governmental organisations will have to make coordinated efforts in defining, defending and promoting Latvia's positions. I would like to thank the highest ranking state officials – the President, the Speaker and the members of the Saeima, and the Prime Minister – for the work successful done together. I am confident that this cooperation will remain this good also in future.

    I would like to offer gratitude to all Latvian diplomats and Foreign Ministry staff for their selfless work in defending Latvia's interests. I firmly believe that, also in future, the Foreign Service of our country will fulfil its duties honourably. However, I also call upon the State to remember and take care of its diplomatic representatives.

    Despite new challenges constantly encountered, the "ship" of Latvia must be steered to follow the same course as our partners and allies, with whom we share common values. This is a course towards future security and welfare. Our society must be united and unanimous, like it was when we fought together for the restoration of our statehood. Our nation may have been brought down on its knees at various periods in history, but it has always risen up. And, in decisive moments, it has been able to uphold the idea of a future, targeted at a constructive and positive change. I firmly believe that this will also be the case today.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!