Saeima Energy Forum As prepared for delivery Riga, 22 May 2023 Thank you Chairman Kulbergs for the invitation to participate in this important discussion on the development of a sustainable energy strategy. Thank you, Minister Čudars and State Secretary Kurevska for providing this comprehensive overview on Latvia’s current energy situation. I commend the Saeima for …
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On Tuesday, May 2, U.S. Ambassador Christopher Robinson presented the Latvian government with 24 refrigerators and 24 washers. State Fire and Rescue Service Chief Colonel Mārtiņš Baltmanis and eight Latvian municipalities accepted the donation. The U.S. Embassy Office of Defense Cooperation worked with the Latvian State Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), the lead governmental agency …
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Riga, February 21, 2023. – Christopher Robinson, the new U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Latvia, presented his credentials to President of Latvia Egils Levits at Riga Castle on February 21. Statement from Ambassador Robinson: “I am honored to begin my work as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Latvia. Latvia is our friend, partner, …
Read More» Ambassador Carwile Public Farewell Message Riga, January 27, 2023 This weekend, I conclude my term as U.S. Ambassador to Latvia. It is time for Karin and me to say goodbye. My service in Latvia has been a tremendous honor. Over the last three years, the United States and Latvia were tested by a global pandemic …
Read More» Ambasssador John Carwile January 13, 2023 Latvian National Museum of Art, Riga Mr. President, Mr. Minister, Mr. Fly, distinguished guests; I am pleased to join you tonight for a celebration of freedom – the freedom to speak one’s mind, the freedom to hold our leaders accountable, and the freedom to tell the truth. For more …
Read More» Speaker Smiltēns, Director Straume, Executive Director Tauriņa, Members of Saeima, Distinguished Guests: I am honored to join you today in marking International Anti-Corruption Day. The U.S. Embassy is pleased to continue our partnership with Delna and its tireless efforts to fight corruption and strengthen the rule of law in Latvia. I am glad to see …
Read More» August 30, 2022 Riga Ukraine, a country under attack by Russia since 2014, has now withstood half a year of massive bombings, sieges of cities, and atrocities against its people. Ukraine is fighting to defend not only its democracy, but its very survival as an independent country. August 24th marked the 31st anniversary of Ukraine’s …
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Ambassador John Carwile July 6, 2022 Good afternoon ministers and excellencies, distinguished guests, friends. Karin and I welcome you to our celebration of America’s 246th Independence Day. It’s been two years since we last gathered – and in much smaller numbers – outside the American Embassy, and I’m glad that we can enjoy a more …
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Riga, June 10, 2022 – U.S. Ambassador to Latvia John Carwile took part in the opening event for a new U.S. Embassy-supported exhibition at the Latvian Museum of Occupation: “The USA: A Safe Haven when the Homeland is Occupied, 1940-1991.” The exhibition is part of the Embassy’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of U.S.-Latvia diplomatic …
Read More» U.S. Ambassador to Latvia John Carwile paid a two-day visit to Rēzekne on March 22-23 affirm U.S. support for Latvia, build on longstanding U.S.-Rēzekne ties, and thank the community for its generous support for the people of Ukraine. Ambassador Carwile: “The effects of Putin’s war of choice are not restricted to Ukraine and Russia. This …
Read More» Rīga, March 8, 2022 – Ambassador John Carwile, Minister of Interior Marija Golubeva and State Border Guard Chief General Guntis Pujāts will participate in a ceremony to mark the delivery of Polaris all-terrain vehicles financed by the U.S. Department of Defense. The ceremony will take place at the State Border Guard headquarters at 13:00 on …
Read More» Ambassador John Carwile February 1, 2022 The world is watching Russia’s pattern of unprovoked aggression toward Ukraine. Russia’s actions are a threat not only to Ukraine, but to Europe and to the international rules-based order. Our aims are simple. We stand with our allies and partners to support European cohesion, strengthen our transatlantic relationship, and …
Read More» Riga, January 18, 2022 – U.S. Ambassador John Carwile, Minister of Interior Marija Golubeva, Chair of Daugavpils City Council Andrejs Elksniņš, and Chief of State Fire and Rescue Service General Oskars Āboliņš will participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate completion of the 16th fire station renovation project between the U.S. government and the Latvian …
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On Tuesday, November 16, U.S. Ambassador John Carwile presented the Latvian State Emergency Medical Service with eight mobile mechanical lung ventilators. The U.S. Embassy Office of Defense Cooperation worked with the Latvian Ministry of Health and State Emergency Medical Service (SEMS) to implement the project. The donation, totaling $216,000, was funded by the U.S. European …
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Ambassador John Carwile National Art Museum October 7, 2021 7:00 p.m. Good evening, friends! Thank you, Zinta, for your words of friendship, and I thank the American Chamber of Commerce for your enduring partnership—for tonight’s event, and so many others over the years. We have come a long way since my predecessor Ints Siliņš and …
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Ambassador John Carwile October 5, 2021 Delfi Thirty years ago this week, Chargé d’Affaires Ints Siliņš and a small team of American diplomats set up our new diplomatic mission in room 503 of the Hotel Ridzene, more than half a century after Soviet occupiers forced the closure of the American Legation in Latvia. The United …
Read More» U.S. Ambassador John Carwile, Chairman of Kandava and Parish Union Jānis Mazitāns, representatives of State Emergency Medical Service (SEMS), representatives of U.S. European Command and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate completion of the cooperation project between the U.S. and the Latvian State Emergency Medical Service (SEMS) on Wednesday, …
Read More» Ambassador John Carwile Saturday, September 11, 2021, 15:32, Three Minutes Foreign Minister Rinkēvičs, Defense Minister Pabriks, Mayor Staķis, and honored guests. On behalf of the United States of America, I would like to express our gratitude for your presence at this twentieth anniversary commemoration of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Twenty years ago on this …
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On Friday, March 19, U.S. Ambassador John Carwile presented the Latvian government with two single-patient isolation and transport systems. Minister of Health Daniels Pavļuts accepted the donation on behalf of the Latvian government. The U.S. Embassy Office of Defense Cooperation worked with the Latvian Ministry of Health and State Emergency Medical Service (SEMS) to implement …
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The United States and Latvia: Looking Ahead to 2021 Riga, January 28, 2021 – Dārgie draugi! As we move forward in the new year and President Biden begins his work, I am optimistic about our alliance as democratic, freedom-loving nations. Strong, bipartisan support for Latvia and NATO will continue under the Biden administration, and I’m …
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On January 13, 1991, tens of thousands of Latvians peacefully took to the streets of Riga to erect barricades and defend Latvia’s fledgling independent, democratic institutions in the face of threats from Soviet forces. Seven Latvians lost their lives during the tense two-week standoff, but the Soviets failed to intimidate the defenders and ultimately withdrew …
Read More» January 13, 2021. On January 13, 1991, tens of thousands of Latvians peacefully took to the streets of Riga to erect barricades and defend Latvia’s fledgling independent, democratic institutions in the face of threats from Soviet forces. Seven Latvians lost their lives during the tense two-week standoff, but the Soviets failed to intimidate the defenders …
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On December 9, 2020 to mark International Anti-Corruption Day, U.S. Ambassador to Latvia John Carwile joined President of Latvia Egils Levits, several Latvian state officials, other ambassadors, and a Latvian civil society representative in a video message emphasizing how corruption undermines sovereignty and security. The video also emphasizes the importance of allies working together to …
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On November 30, 2020, Ambassador Carwile attended a flower-laying ceremony at the Rumbula Forest Memorial in memory of the victims of the Riga Ghetto prisoner massacre. Rumbula is one of the largest mass killing sites of Jews in Europe. On November 30 and December 8, 1941, the Nazis killed more than 25,000 Latvian Jews from the …
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On November 25, 2020, Ambassador Carwile, together with Latvian Minister of Defense Artis Pabriks, and Chief of Defense Lieutenant General Leonīds Kalniņš participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly-built Special Operations Unit base in Riga. U.S. European Command (EUCOM) European Defense Initiative provided 3.7 million USD for the project. The new infrastructure, which includes …
Read More» Riga, November 17, 2020 — U.S. Ambassador John Carwile presented the Latvian Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Defense with $135,000 worth of personal protective equipment (PPE) yesterday for use in the COVID-19 pandemic. The donation from the United States includes 14,000 isolation gowns and 13,500 coveralls. These items have been challenging to procure …
Read More» Ambassador John Carwile November 3, 2020 The 2020 U.S election campaign cycle ends today against the backdrop of a global pandemic, high early voter turnout, and intense interest across the United States. Following the traditions of our democracy, candidates around the country have made their case to the American people, journalists have freely reported on …
Read More» Ambassador John Carwile September 24, 2020 University of Latvia Botanical Garden Good evening everyone. Thank you for joining us. I am glad to see so many embassy alumni and friends here tonight. I am also especially grateful that we are able to hold this event after it was postponed due to the Covid-19 restrictions earlier …
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Ambassador John Carwile July 2, 2020 Riga Good afternoon ministers and excellences, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the United States Embassy’s celebration of America’s 244th Independence Day. This has been an unusual year – and we still have another six months to go. When our team discussed whether to hold a reception this …
Read More» Riga, June 12, 2020 — U.S. Ambassador John Carwile presented the Latvian Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Health with two tranches of COVID-19 test-kits and associated lab equipment, supporting 4,000 tests. The United States’ contribution (approximately $200,000) to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) solidarity fund financed the tests, which will bolster Latvia’s …
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Riga, June 1, 2020 — U.S. Ambassador John Carwile presented the Latvian Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health with one thousand liters of hand sanitizers produced by the Latvian company AS Spodrība and 22,500 pairs of non-sterile disposable gloves on May 30. Minister of Health Ilze Viņķele and Ministry of Education and Science …
Read More» Riga, May 18, 2020 – U.S. Ambassador John Carwile presented Latvian State Emergency Medical Service (SEMS) with 3,660 liters of hand and surface sanitizers totaling $15,000 and produced by the Latvian company “AS Spodrība” on May 15. Director of the State Emergency Medical Services Liene Cipule accepted the donation on behalf of the Latvian government. …
Read More» Ambassador John Carwile January 22, 2020 Daugavpils Good evening. It is an honor to make my first trip to Daugavpils as the U.S. Ambassador to Latvia and I’m especially pleased to inaugurate our new American Space location. For the past 15 years, we have engaged with the community in Latgale to promote educational and cultural …
Read More» Riga, January 23, 2020 – U.S. Ambassador John Carwile made his first official visit to Daugavpils from January 22-23. During his visit, Ambassador Carwile visited the Embassy’s American Space (U.S. Information Center) at the Latgale Central Library to mark the grand opening of a new location for the Center at the Library building. The new …
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Ambassador John L. Carwile December 4, 2019 Since my arrival in November as the United States Ambassador, Latvians have proven to be welcoming, gracious, and committed partners of the United States. Next week, we commemorate International Anti-Corruption Day, and what better way to mark the day than to review Latvia’s progress over the past year. …
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Ambassador Nancy Bikoff Pettit July 12, 2018 National Library of Latvia Labdien, good afternoon ministers and excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the United States Embassy’s celebration of the 242nd year of America’s independence. Every year on the July 4th holiday, Americans reflect on what our country stands for: the ideals that are …
Read More» Ambassador Nancy Bikoff Pettit Op-Ed Delfi.lv December 1, 2017 In June 1981, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a report describing cases of a rare lung infection in five young, previously healthy, gay men in Los Angeles. The report described other unusual infections in the men, indicating that their immune systems …
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Riga, July 5, 2016 Good afternoon, what a great day to be here in Latvia and to welcome the USS Mount Whitney to Rīga. Generals, Admiral Vizulis, Mayors, distinguished guests, members of the Latvian-American community, thank you for taking the time to attend today’s reception. We are honored by your presence. Captain Sardiello, thank you …
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Riga, June 30, 2016 Ministers, Members of the Saeima, excellencies, distinguished guests, good friends, ladies and gentlemen: Labvakar. Thank you for joining us in celebrating the 240th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. Two and a half centuries ago, our own new, small, country was launched based on the dream of …
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