On 23 September, Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks visited the Latvian Lutheran Church in New York and, during a meeting with Latvians resident in this city, expressed his wish for them to keep faith in the development of Latvia. The Minister also expressed gratitude to the former exiled Latvians for their support in introducing democratic reforms in our state and emphasised that their support is still important to Latvia. The Foreign Minister noted that the last 20 years have not been easy for Latvia; however, they have been successful as the state has become a member-state of the EU and NATO. "This period of transition and reform has cost the faith of many in the further development of the state, but nothing can be done without faith. There is no flower that would bloom all by itself without tending it and watering it. There is no country, that would develop all by itself, without the struggle and faith of its people," said Artis Pabriks. From 23 to 28 September, Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks is visiting New York in order to participate in the opening of the 62nd session of the UN General Assembly.