Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)

Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome the Latvian Ambassador on Latvia's national day. Ambassador, you are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. On the 18 November 1918, Latvia declared its sovereignty and claimed its rightful place among the free nations of the world. We are delighted that you here on your national day to celebrate with us. Our two nations share many historical parallels and a deep understanding of the long struggle it takes to get independence and freedom. That is why there is such a friendship between the people of Latvia and the Irish people. We fought long and hard battles to preserve our culture, language and identity and to secure our freedom, having endured long periods where freedom was denied. The sovereignty which you achieved in 1918 was taken away from you again, but you succeeded in not only rejoining the free nations of the world but also joining the European Union, where we work together on issues of peace and, particularly, security, given the ongoing challenges that we have on your eastern border, especially with Russia and the war in Ukraine. We look forward to working with you at an EU level on preserving and protecting your sovereignty. Your people here in Ireland are a living bridge between Latvia and Ireland, and on the 107th anniversary of the declaration of independence, we thank you for taking the time out of your national day to come here and celebrate it with all your friends in Seanad Éireann. Ambassador, you are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Go raibh maith agat.