RIGA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Icelandic President Gudni Johannesson arrived in Riga on a state visit on Friday to meet with top Latvian officials and join the celebrations of the centenary of the Republic of Latvia, local media reported.
After meeting with the Icelandic leader in Riga Castle, Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis released a statement in which he thanked Iceland for being the first country in the world to recognize Latvia's regained independence in 1991.
Everyone in Latvia remembers the significant role Iceland played in the restoration of Latvia's independence at that time, Vejonis stressed. Iceland's courageous action was a vivid example proving that even small countries' decisions can influence international processes at crucial moments.
Although Latvia and Iceland are far apart geographically, both countries are united by coexistence and cooperation in various Baltic-Nordic formats as both countries are partners in NATO and the European Economic Area, the Latvian president said.
Johannesson is not only making a state visit to Latvia but as a guest of honor, who will take part in the celebrations of the centenary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia this Sunday.
Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics, who also welcomed the Icelandic president's visit to Latvia, called on investors from Iceland to keep promoting business contacts between the two countries, especially stressing cooperation in innovation and technology.
