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| Latvia. Map Credit: CIA World Factbook. |
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Latvia's National Day
Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
November 15, 2012
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Latvia as you celebrate the 94th anniversary of your independence this November 18. You have made progress under difficult circumstances and demonstrated what can be accomplished through hard work, pride in country, and an unwavering faith in democracy.
The United States is proud of our long shared history as strategic allies, valued partners, and close friends. Since 1918, American support for the sovereign people of Latvia has never wavered. Today, Latvia and the United States remain steadfast partners. From cooperation in Afghanistan to exploring new business opportunities, the ties between our two countries only grow stronger.
On this special day, I send my deepest congratulations to all the people of Latvia and look forward to strengthening our cooperation even more as we promote the fundamental values we both cherish.
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| Latvia Locator Map Credit: CIA World Factbook. |
The name "Latvia" originates from the ancient Latgalians, one of four eastern Baltic tribes that formed the ethnic core of the Latvian people (ca. 8th-12th centuries A.D.). The region subsequently came under the control of Germans, Poles, Swedes, and finally, Russians. A Latvian republic emerged following World War I, but it was annexed by the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US and many other countries. Latvia reestablished its independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 28% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.
