On July 25, 2007 in a White House ceremony, Ambassador Andrejs Pildegovics presented his credentials to President George W. Bush. With this formality, Andrejs Pildegovics has officially begun his duties as Latvia's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the U.S. During the meeting, President Bush expressed his appreciation for the intensity of the Latvia–U.S. partnership. A special focus of the discussion was on the contribution of Latvia's former President Vaira Vike – Freiberga to international security policy. The parties also exchanged views on Baltic Sea regional development and on relations with Russia. The U.S. President made a request to forward his sincere greetings and congratulation to Valdis Zatlers, the new President of Latvia. In his letter of accreditation, Andris Pildegovics emphasized the close cooperation of the two countries in security and economy issues, on combatting terrorism and on the development of democracy. The Ambassador also highlighted Latvia's willingness to expand relations between the two countries by introducing a visa-free regime as soon as possible. The 85th anniversary of the establishment of Latvia–U.S. diplomatic relations was also mentioned. Before his appointment to Washington, Andrejs Pildegovics was the Chief of Staff to former President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga. -------------------------- Below please find written remarks by Ambassador Andrejs Pildegovics, presented to President George W. Bush on July 25, 2007: Mr. President, It is indeed a great honor and a privilege for me to present the Letters of Credence accrediting me as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to the United States of America. I also avail myself of this occasion to present the Letter of Recall of my predecessor, Ambassador Maris Riekstins. This is a very special year for Latvia and its relations with the United States, as it marks the 85th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Latvia will always remain grateful to the United States for refusing to recognize the illegal occupation of the three Baltic countries by the Soviet Union, which lasted for five long decades, from 1940 until 1991. This firm non-recognition policy by the United States allowed the Latvian Legation in Washington to continue representing Latvia de jure even during the long years of occupation. We count ourselves fortunate to have the United States of America as a true friend and trusted ally. We consider the United States as a vital strategic partner, indeed one of the most important partners that Latvia has. The fact that two acting US presidents have visited Latvia since the restoration of my country’s independence in 1991 illustrates the closeness of our ties. Mr. President, Our countries are already cooperating in many fields, including security, the promotion of democracy and economic issues. Our soldiers are serving side by side to establish the peace in Iraq and in Afghanistan. We are maintaining a regular dialogue on such important areas as energy security, the fight against terrorism and the nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Our joint participation in broader regional activities to consolidate freedom, democracy and human rights, both in Europe and elsewhere in the world, is of great importance for Latvia. It was above all the faith of the Baltic nations in the values of freedom and of democracy that helped us to achieve the progress that we are so proud of today. We are now ready to share our positive experience and to pass it on to others, because we know the value of freedom and feel compassion for those who are still deprived of it. Latvia sees Europe’s transatlantic partnership with the United States as essential for ensuring our common security and prosperity, and for promoting security, democracy and economic development all across the globe. The successful NATO Summit that took place in Riga at the end of last year demonstrated the firm commitment of Latvia and the other new member states to strengthening the NATO alliance. Only a few years ago, the organization of such a pivotal event in Latvia would have seemed unimaginable. Last year’s NATO summit was significant for another reason as well: it highlighted the return of the Baltic States to the Western world. Latvia strongly stands for an active NATO and EU engagement with neighboring regions in Europe, Asia and Africa. Our engagement is designed to bring greater stability to our neighbors, and to help them implement much-needed political and economic reforms. That is why Latvia is actively participating in the EU’s neighborhood policy, and that is why Latvia is devoting considerable efforts to assist Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine in particular. The EU-US dialogue must be devoted to strengthening the vital partnership between Europe and the United States. Our partnership is essential for ensuring a common approach to the promotion of democracy throughout the world, as well as to other urgent global issues such as climate change, economic development and the fight against terrorism. Latvia would like to see the continued expansion of economic cooperation between the United States and the European Union, as well as in the areas of education and science. The joint promotion of innovation, the coordinated protection of intellectual property and the establishment of closer cooperation among regulators, including in the field of aviation, are just some examples of where we can work closer together. Despite the already close ties that have been established between Europe and the United States, we are far from exploiting the full potential of our friendly relationship. Latvia is eager to expand and deepen the range of its bilateral relations with the United States at all possible levels. In this regard, I devoutly hope that a visa-free regime will be implemented between our two countries as soon as possible. Finally allow me, Mr. President, to extend my warmest greetings and best wishes to you and to your family, and to wish the American people continued success, happiness and prosperity.