(above photo by Gatis Bergmanis, Official Photographer, Office of President Zatlers) On April 23 in Washington, DC, President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers spoke at the Heritage Foundation on Latvia's contribution to transatlantic dialogue and cooperation. In his speech, the president thanked the Heritage Foundation for its contribution regarding the introduction of the Visa Waiver Program and in strengthening bilateral relations of both countries in general. The president also thanked the U.S. for its support regarding the non-recognition policy of the Soviet occupation of Latvia, and for the renewal of Latvia's independence. In discussing the principal tasks of NATO after the Bucharest summit, the president emphasized that NATO must continue its work on the advancement of its military capacity and has to provide support to the countries, willing to join the alliance. He also pointed to the necessity to continue the NATO operations in Afghanistan along with providing civilian aid to this country. "These are the immediate NATO tasks, if the alliance wishes to maintain its importance also in this century. At the same time we have to be ready for new challenges. One of such challenges is the security of the energy supply, " President explained. A video of the speech, entitled "Strengthening the Transatlantic Alliance: The View From Riga" can be viewed at the website of the Heritage Foundation. During his working visit to Washington, the President will be meeting with government officials, including Vice President Richard Cheney, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.