{Info-Prim Neo interview with Zane Petre, Head of Chancery, Latvian Charge d’Affaires ad interim to Moldova, from the series “For 21 years Independent: we, the Former Soviet States”} [ - When independence was proclaimed, did your country have the same starting line as Moldova on the track towards modernization, development and renewal? How close or far away are we now from each other?] - Talking about the history of Latvia, the Latvian intellectuals and patriots were the ones that put into practice the dream of an independent Latvia in 1918 and again after Gorbachev’s perestroika. Most of the actions that took place on our soil were peaceful. One of the important events in our way of regaining the independence took place in August 1989 on the anniversary of Molotov- Ribbentrop pact. It was the Baltic Way, when peoples of all three Baltic States stood from Vilnius to Riga to Tallinn and held their hands- by this showing the unity and resolve. In 1991 the Baltic States regained independence what they lost in 1940, we managed to leave USSR before its collapse. We took serious decisions to join European institutions and went through hard reforms in order to correspond to high criteria of those organizations. [ - What did your country do wright and what went wrong on this path of independent development, perhaps compared to Moldova?] - The years of Soviet occupation made us live in a way that was not acceptable to the people of Latvia. We have always considered ourselves a European nation and that had to be restored. We wanted to live differently, live better and we made our choice- working towards European integration. Our international partners helped us a lot during these years. We understood it well that when you embark on such a road you have to work hard to be able to fulfill the Copenhagen criteria – requirements to prepare for joining the EU or develop the internal as well as defense system to such a level that is acceptable for the NATO. Such a target helped us to advance on a much faster speed. At the same time one learns how to do things while doing them and cannot avoid making mistakes, the same was with us. We still have to learn how to better defend the rights and interests of our citizens, businesses etc. within the organizations. The last years with economic crisis that hit many countries, including Latvia, we learned again some valuable lessons. The strict policy introduced by the Government helped to overcome the most difficult period and at the moment the figures are very promising as Latvia is topping the list of the countries with the highest GDP growth in Europe. Now it is time for us to help others, to share our experience and lessons- learned during the transition period as well as afterwards after joining EU and NATO. [ - After proclaiming independence, did you country find itself facing a choice between different geopolitical orientations, in particular East or West, like the one faced by Moldova? What were the reasons behind your choice?] - Preceding the collapse of the Soviet Union there was a strong national feeling and a strong formation the Popular Front that enjoyed the support of the people of Latvia. Restoration of independence and state sovereignty was something on the minds of many for many years so this was a moment when a dream came true. Latvia always has felt as part of the European family, so there was no major disagreement about the way to go. The political forces that have been in power since have all kept this line that is very important for the development of a country. At the same time we have to admit that Russia is a very important neighbor and we see the relations developing in a very pragmatic way that is of mutual benefit for both our countries. The economic cooperation and business interests are of great importance. [ - What does your country think of the choice made by Moldova to opt for European integration?] - We have always fully supported Moldova’s choice as we have no doubt that Moldova shares the same European culture and values that the rest of the countries in Europe. We see that the EU- Moldova dialogue is progressing well. We were very positive about launching the negotiations on Association Agreement, DCFTA as well as the Visa Dialogue. We see the hard work that Moldova is doing in order to fulfill the Visa Liberalization Action plan and hope that the people will see the results in the near future. [ - What notion would best define the relationship between our countries at this stage? For example, when speaking about relationships with other countries in different contexts, Moldovan politicians frequently use such notions as strategic partnership, close relationship, pragmatic relationship etc.] - It is definitely a very close relationship! The best example to characterize the excellent relations between Latvia and Moldova is the decision taken by Latvia to open a Chancery here in Chisinau this year. Moldova has been one of our foreign policy priorities for a number of years and despite the economic crisis the decision was taken to have a diplomat permanently based here. The cooperation has been ongoing in various areas, including support to capacity building of state institutions, support to strengthening the role of civil society, in the areas of internal affairs, defense and many others. After renewing the development assistance, the government of Latvia has chosen Moldova as the first priority. This year we will focus on the areas of regional development and environmental protection as well as rule of law. We are very much looking forward to working together with other international partners in the rule of law area, like USAID and by combining our efforts we hope to offer the needed support. Latvia stands ready to share its experience and knowledge in order to help Moldova to overstep some unnecessary stages and maybe learn from our mistakes in order not to repeat them. [Valeriu Vasilica, Info-Prim Neo] {[Info-Prim Neo note:] The “For 21 Years Independent: we, the Former Soviet States” series is intended to include interviews with representatives of diplomatic missions from all the former Soviet states. It primarily aims to assess the progress made by our country since Independence, in particular against the experience of other countries which had approximately the same starting line, as well as to discuss the relations between our countries and peoples over these years.}