09.02.2012

Latvijas Pasts holds special cancellation event for commemorative envelopes of Zigfrīds Anna Meierovics in collaboration with Ministry of Foreign Affairs

To mark the 125^th birthday of Zigfrīds Anna Meierovics, the first Foreign Minister of the Republic of Latvia, Latvijas Pasts has released special commemorative envelopes, for which the cancellation event will take place on February 3, 2012, from 9 AM to 4:30 PM, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Meierovica Hall, 3 K. Valdemāra Street, Riga. On the same day, a presentation of the special envelope will be held in Meierovica Hall at 3 PM, with participation of Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs and Minister of Transport Aivis Ronis.

One of the most outstanding Latvian public officials, Meierovics was the first Foreign Minister of the Republic of Latvia. After the proclamation of independence of Latvia on November 18, 1918, the People's Council of Latvia appointed Meierovics as the foreign minister of the new state on November 19. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia was created under his leadership, with a network of diplomatic and consular representations, establishing the main directions and tasks of the state's foreign policy.

"In remembrance of Zigfrīds Anna Meierovics on his 125^th anniversary, I want note that on January 26, 1921, the efforts of the Foreign Minister, diplomats and the entire foreign service staff resulted in success - the Republic of Latvia obtained the status of an internationally-recognized state. The other goal of foreign policy was achieved at the same time - Latvia became part of the family of Europe and the world. That had a decisive effect on the future fate of the state," says Edgars Rinkēvičs, the current Foreign Minister of Latvia.

Aivis Ronis, former Foreign Minister and diplomat, now Minister of Transport, notes: "It was the selfless work of Zigfrīds Anna Meierovics that opened the door to the world for the young and independent state. Meierovics and the foreign service staff of that time were bestowed with enthusiasm and tremendous energy, and it must be said that these traits are often the main tools of Latvian diplomats today."

Meierovics engaged himself in farsighted diplomatic work and took successful steps for international de jure recognition of Latvia, achieving this goal on January 26, 1921, in a conference of the Triple Entente. No less important for protection of the independence of Latvia were the peace treaties concluded in 1920 with Soviet Russia and Germany. Meierovics also tirelessly attempted to fulfill the idea of coordinated action of the Baltic states on the international arena by forming a union, also known as the Baltic Entente.

Meierovics served two terms as the Prime Minister of Latvia, while also remaining the Foreign Minister. He was also a member of the Constitutional Assembly and the 1^st Saeima.

Meierovics was born on February 5, 1887, in Durbe, and died in a tragic car accident on August 22, 1925.

A total of 1,000 of the special envelopes, designed by artist Ģirts Grīva, will be released.

See the commemorative envelope dedicated to the 125^th anniversary of Zigfrīds Anna Meierovics.

The next new philatelic release is planned for February 11.

About SJSC Latvijas Pasts

Latvijas Pasts ensures the widest availability of postal services throughout Latvia by maintaining more than 600 post offices. The primary function of the company is provision of the universal postal service; Latvijas Pasts also provides philately, transport and express mail, financial intermediation, payment, press subscription and retail services. Latvijas Pasts is a fully state-owned company with approximately 4,600 employees.

Additional information:
Gundega Vārpa,
SJSC Latvijas Pasts
Head of the External Communications Department
Phone: +371 67608505
E-mail: gundega.varpa@pasts.lv