On June 14, 2007 in Washington, Latvia's Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks participated in a conference organized by the Heritage Foundation entitled "U.S.-Baltic Relations: Celebrating 85 Years of Friendship." In his address, the Latvian Foreign Minister praised the United States for its support for Latvia, noting that the U.S. policy of non-recognition of the occupation of the Baltic states for 50 years helped the Baltic countries of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to restore their freedom. Mr. Pabriks also stressed the role of the U.S. as Latvia's strategic partner. Minister Pabriks also spoke about Latvia's history in the 20th century and emphasized that each country must build its future taking into account its historic experience, but not become hostage to this history. The Foreign Minister noted that Latvia has learned to overcome historical offences and to be more pragmatic in its foreign policy, and invited the neighboring countries to learn by Latvia's example. Minister Pabriks stressed the significance of the visa-free regime with the United States, and praised the Heritage Foundation's support in negotiating the visa-waiver issue with the U.S. government. The Foreign Minister voiced support for the efforts of the three Adriatic countries to join NATO and to establish closer co-operation with the EU, as well as for progress in Ukraine and the Caucasian countries. The conference was opened by Daniel Fried, Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, who highly praised U.S.-Baltic relations. In his address, Mr Fried noted as positive Latvia's fast economic growth, noting that Latvia's gross domestic product has increased two-fold since 1995. Speeches were also delivered by the Estonian and Lithuanian foreign ministers, and by U.S. Senator Jim DeMint, a representative of the Senate's Foreign Affairs Committee. Mr. Eriks Zunda, the Foreign Ministry's Parliamentary Secretary, also represented Latvia at the conference organized by the Heritage Foundation.