Latvia's new president takes office

Edgars Rinkevics speaks at the inauguration ceremony at the parliament house in Riga, Latvia, July 8, 2023. Rinkevics, Latvia's long-standing foreign minister, took office as the Baltic country's new president on Saturday. (Photo by Janis Laizans/Xinhua)

RIGA, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Edgars Rinkevics, Latvia's long-standing foreign minister, took office as the Baltic country's new president on Saturday.

In the inauguration ceremony at the parliament house, Rinkevics took the presidential oath in the presence of lawmakers. In his first speech to parliament as the head of state, Rinkevics pledged to promote justice, the rule of law, and a prosperous, inclusive and respectful society.

Rinkevics, who had been serving as Latvia's foreign minister since 2011, was nominated for the post of president by his New Unity party after the previous president Egils Levits decided not to seek reelection.

Rinkevics was elected president by the Saeima, Latvia's parliament, with 52 votes in favor. His rival contender Uldis Pilens, who was nominated by the United List, received 25 votes.

Edgars Rinkevics lays flowers at the Freedom Monument in Riga, Latvia, July 8, 2023. Rinkevics, Latvia's long-standing foreign minister, took office as the Baltic country's new president on Saturday. (Photo by Edijs Palens/Xinhua)