Latvian Ambassador to Korea Aris Vigants speaks of the importance of his country joining the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization during an event held at the Embassy of Latvia in Seoul on April 24. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

Latvian Ambassador to Korea Aris Vigants said the Baltic nation's strategic decision to join the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has played a pivotal role in securing soft and hard security and breaking free from Russia's influence.

He made the remarks in a commemorative speech marking the 20th anniversary since Latvia joined the EU and NATO, during which he emphasized the transformative journey of his country and its neighbors.

"It's not a secret that Latvia, together with our neighboring countries of Estonia and Lithuania, has achieved a lot during the last decade," Vigants said at an event hosted at the Embassy of Latvia in Seoul, April 24.

The event was attended by dozens of dignitaries, including Estonian Ambassador Sten Schwede and Ukrainian Ambassador Dmytro Ponomarenko, along with other diplomats and company officials.

Reflecting on the challenges faced during Latvia's transition, Vigants highlighted the monumental efforts and commitments required to break free from the political and economic structures imposed during nearly five decades of Soviet occupation.

"It still can be considered as a miracle but also as a living example for other nations and democracies how it is possible with extra effort and will to achieve great and tangible results. Nobody is perfect but at least we can always strive for perfection," he said.

"For the last several decades we have tried, and we will continue to share our knowledge and experience with neighboring countries like Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova and Central Asian countries."

Drawing parallels with Latvia's journey, the ambassador expressed gratitude for the support of neighboring Nordic countries in their path to EU and NATO membership.

Expressing concern over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the diplomat called for unified action to halt Russian aggression.

"We long for the Russian aggressive war in Ukraine to stop. Russia has to be defeated so that Europe, our region, will be free and at peace again," he said.