The President of the Republic of Cyprus attended an official dinner hosted in his honour by the President of the Republic of Latvia

The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, attended tonight an official dinner hosted in his honour by the President of the Republic of Latvia, Mr Edgars Rinkēvičs, in Riga.

In his toast at the dinner, President Christodoulides said: “It is a great pleasure and honour to be in Riga today, upon the invitation by President Rinkēvičs, with whom we share a friendship dating back to our time as Foreign Ministers.

I am deeply appreciative for the warm hospitality extended to myself and my delegation.

This is a historic visit – the first ever official visit to Latvia by the President of the Republic of Cyprus. It is also my first visit to the Baltics in the context of our preparations for the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) in the first half of 2026.

Cyprus and Latvia are geographically located at opposite ends of our Union. Yet, despite our geographical distance, our countries are strongly aligned. First and foremost, in the values and convictions we share. Latvia and Cyprus also share common historical experiences. Two countries – now member states of the greatest peace project, the EU – that have both faced occupation by a much larger, aggressive neighbour. In the case of Cyprus, Turkish occupation of European territory continues. We stand together in defence of international law, democracy, and the rules of law at the cornerstone of our foreign policies.

A natural consequence of this commitment to rules based international order is our unwavering, unequivocal support to Ukraine, and the full respect of the country’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Let me assure you that this vitally important issue will remain a priority during Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU next year.

Cyprus and its people are grateful to Latvia for its long-standing principled position on the Cyprus problem and to our efforts to reunify the Union’s last divided member state, in line with the United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolutions and EU law, values and principles. A solution for the benefit of its people, the wider region, and the whole of Europe. In this regard, Latvia will have an important role to play in the next couple of years as a member of the UN Security Council.

I take this opportunity to, once again, congratulate you for your historic first election to the Security Council. I am certain your tenure will contribute decisively to safeguarding international peace and security.

At the same time, Cyprus is preparing for its fast-approaching Presidency of the Council of the EU during the first half of 2026. We are enormously proud that Cyprus will be at the helm of the EU and we will do our utmost to ensure that our common European family will grow stronger, more secure, and prosperous, always in unity.

Today’s exchanges have reaffirmed the strong ties between Cyprus and Latvia. We have also identified the enormous potential to further develop our bilateral cooperation in sectors ranging from trade to defence, tourism, and innovation.

Thousands of Latvians choose Cyprus as their holiday destination, and Air Baltic and Ryanair fly year-round to Cyprus. Football teams from Cyprus enjoy the beautiful Latvian summer weather and the beaches of Jūrmala to have their pre-season training. And, actually, before coming here, a president of a Cypriot football club called me to say that he is also in Latvia for the training of his team.

My intention is to use this official visit as a springboard for a much closer bilateral relationship that will encapsulate more fields.

Cyprus and Latvia have another common point this year. Our two countries will be hosting, along with Finland and Poland, the Group Phase of the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Championship, while Riga will be the city that will host the best 16 teams all the way to final. I wish the Latvian national basketball team every success, and I assure you that if the national team of Cyprus qualifies, I will be back in Riga in September.

With the wish for a successful basketball tournament for both of our countries, let us raise our glasses for the prosperity of the Latvian people and to the continued cooperation between our countries in the years ahead”.

On his part, President Rinkēvičs said: “It is a great honour for me to welcome you, Mr President, on this official visit to Latvia. As we discussed this morning, your visit marks the first bilateral visit of a President of Cyprus to Latvia. As we also noted this morning, it is not the first time you visit Latvia. I still have very warm feelings after your visit to Riga in 2021, when actually both of us served as foreign ministers. The atmosphere, the warmth is there. The only thing that is gone are those COVID masks.

Latvia and Cyprus share meaningful similar traits and experiences. Both of our nations are small, but proud nations. The history of our country shows the courage, resilience, and the unwavering will of the people to determine their own future. Both countries have rich cultural and natural heritage. Both of our countries are proud to host UNESCO World Heritage Sites and stunning coastlines. Latvian tourists love to visit sunny Cyprus beaches, particularly in autumn and in spring. The regular direct flights between our countries are very helpful in fostering our people-to-people contacts.

The geographic locations of our countries have deeply shaped our histories and continue to influence our futures.

Cyprus as Europe’s outpost in the Eastern Mediterranean and Latvia as the guard of the eastern border of the European Union play a crucial role in protecting the borders of the EU. Our joint contribution to Frontex operations on the external borders is crucial for Europe’s security. Back in 2004, we joined the EU together. We joined the EU with shared values and shared interests. I can assure you, Mr President, that you can also count on Latvia’s close cooperation during Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU next year.

I also want to note that we highly value your expertise and close regional ties with the Southern Neighbourhood. In today’s uncertain world, we need to protect and strengthen the rules-based international order. The order where the principles of democracy, human rights, and the international rule of law prevail. Latvia will stand together for peace and security as a first-time member of the UN Security Council. I also want to thank Cyprus for your support for our candidacy

I would like to propose a toast to your health, to the prosperity of your country, to the people of Cyprus, and to the long-lasting friendship between the Republic of Latvia nad the Republic of Cyprus”.

(RM/GS/NZ)

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