PM Karins in New Year's speech urge people to build stronger Latvia

RIGA - Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) in his televised New Year's address called on people to strive for a common goal - a stronger Latvia. 

The prime minister noted that since February 24 the world has changed in ways many had thought to be impossible but that now it is reality - thousands of people in Ukraine are welcoming New Year in darkness, cold and suffering. 

Ukrainians' heroic struggle against Russia's brutality and Russian President Vladimir Putin's imperialism shows that the ability to unite is the decisive force determining nations' fates. 

The prime minister thanked everyone for united support for Ukraine and its people as well as for active involvement in building and protecting Latvia's future. 

"Sometimes we may differ in our views, but we are rich in our ability to empathize and help others, welcoming those who need it so much. Common values - freedom, democracy and the rule of law are the unwavering foundation of our openness," the prime minister said. 

A free and democratic country, in Karins' words, means a common path on which everyone has the opportunity to build Latvia more secure, united and stronger.