Latvia and Czech Republic are united by similar historical experiences and close cooperation - Rinkevics

RIGA - Latvia and the Czech Republic are united by similar historical experiences, as well as close cooperation in the fields of security, economics, and culture, said President Edgars Rinkevics at a state dinner in honor of Czech President Petr Pavel and his wife Eva Pavlova’s visit to Latvia.

The Presidential Chancery told LETA that Rinkevics pointed out that the peoples of both countries have experienced similar events in their history - the struggle for independence, the loss of freedom, and its restoration after life behind the Iron Curtain. Rinkevics emphasized that Latvia and the Czech Republic are now working together in the European Union (EU), NATO, and other international organizations, defending common values and interests.

In his address, the president also touched upon the cultural ties between the two countries. He reminded that the poetry of Czech poet Frantisek Ladislav Celakovsky, interpreted by Juris Alunans, became a popular song in Latvia, Nevis Slinkojot un Pustot. Rinkevics also mentioned the Czech literary classics Franz Kafka and Jaroslav Hasek, whose works, according to the president, are also well known in Latvia.

The president emphasized that the 1968 Prague Spring also had a strong resonance in Latvian society, strengthening resistance to the Soviet regime in the Baltic States.

Speaking about shared cultural and everyday traditions, Rinkevics humorously pointed out that Latvians and Czechs are also united by their passion for mushroom picking and hockey. He added that when Latvia wins a hockey game, Latvian fans often gather at the Czech Embassy in Riga to symbolically celebrate their success.

In his speech, the president also addressed cooperation between the two countries in the field of education. The Latvian language is taught at Charles University in Prague and Masaryk University in Brno, while the Czech language is studied at the University of Latvia.

Rinkevics also emphasized the importance of economic cooperation between the two countries. He reminded that economic relations between Latvia and the Czech Republic began in 1922, when one of Latvia’s first trade agreements was signed. In the president’s view, cooperation between the two countries has potential for development, especially in the defense industry and biotechnology.

During the visit, Rinkevics and the Czech president also participated in the Latvian-Czech Business Forum, where opportunities for economic cooperation were discussed.

In his address, the president thanked the Czech Republic for its contribution to strengthening security in the Baltic region, including the participation of Czech soldiers in the NATO multinational brigade in Latvia.

Rinkevics also highlighted the Czech Republic’s support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, noting that Ukraine’s security is closely linked to the security of Europe as a whole.