Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the president of Latvia, advocated the necessity for a stronger trans-Atlantic partnership in a speech on Tuesday.
“The shattering terrorist attacks have put partnership in a new perspective,” Vike-Freiberga said. She noted that any country’s security can be threatened at any time, so it is no longer possible for any one country to be self-sufficient.
Vike-Freiberga stated that international terrorism has grown into a global challenge that demands the focus of all countries, regardless of size. She noted that even though Latvia is a small country, it can still have an impact in the international arena.
“Consensus is the fruit of deliberate effort. The most important thing is to have partners from the broadest spectrum possible,” she said.
Vike-Freiberga praised the good relationship between the allies in the war against terrorism, citing their shared values and respect for the needs of all as their unifying factor.
“The values of humanity are universal, regardless of cultural or religious differences,” Vike-Freiberga said.
She discussed the importance of fighting terrorism both domestically and internationally. “Countries should search for corruption and organized crime within their borders in order to stop terrorism,” Vike-Freiberga said.
Latvia has taken several steps to aid in the war against terrorism since the events of Sept. 11, according to Vike-Freiberga.
“We have upgraded border control, reviewed import and export policies and increased communication with our neighbors,” she said.
Latvia hopes to receive invitations to both the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union in the fall of this year.
“These invitations would signal Latvia’s return to the peaceful, secure and stable community from which it was wrenched,” Vike-Freiberga said.
Vike-Freiberga stated that if the country were to be accepted into both organizations, it would be eager to participate in anti-terrorism actions.
“North America and Europe need to strengthen their partnership. The prospects are favorable for creating an extensive global alliance,” Vike-Freiberga said.
She emphasized that, “no country is an island,” and that a collective effort must be put forth in order to defeat terrorism.
