On Friday 24 March, Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis participated in the audience with Pope Francis in Rome.
During the exchange of greetings with the Pope, the Prime Minister repeatedly extended an invitation to visit Latvia in 2018 – the year that will mark the centenary of foundation of the state. “Your Holiness, we are very keen to welcome you in Latvia in 2018!” stressed M. Kučinskis.
The invitation to Pope Francis to pay a visit to Latvia has been repeatedly extended. It is underlined that this visit would be significant for the society of Latvia and people in the wider region because Latvia and other Baltic States will celebrate the centenary of foundation. Next year also marks the 25th anniversary since the visit of Pope John Paul II to the Baltic States. The official invitation to Pope Francis was submitted to the Holy See already on 16 December 2015.
The audience with the Pope was held within the framework of events marking the 60th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome. Addressing the EU Heads of State or Government, the Pope called on the leaders to thing about the future of Europe with a focus on care for young people as part of society that will be the basis for the future of the EU.
According to the invitation of the Italian side and the Vatican, the EU Heads of State or Government are visiting Rome together with spouses. Prime Minister M. Kučinskis is attending the events of the 60th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome together with spouse Laine Kučinska.
On 25 March, the Heads of State or Government will gather in the Capitol where the so-called Treaties of Rome were signed in March 1957 laying the foundations for establishing the European Atomic Energy Community and the European Economic Community, initially by six countries.
It is expected that a political declaration will be adopted within the framework of this event that will reconfirm the significance of the European Integration Project and outline the development for next years.
Andrejs Vaivars
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister
Mob.: 29228678
E-mail: Andrejs.Vaivars@mk.gov.lv