BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 10. Latvian Defense
Minister Andris Sprūds on Thursday attended the opening of the
exhibition “Six Hundred Years of Spanish History Across Four
Continents in 20 Paintings by Augusto Ferrer-Dalmau,” organized by
the Embassy of Spain and the Latvian War Museum, Trend reports.

The exhibition is part of a broader program of events marking
Spain’s National Day celebrations in Latvia.

“Today, more than 600 Spanish soldiers are serving in Latvia as
part of NATO’s multinational brigade in Ādaži, representing the
second-largest allied contingent in our country. This is a symbol
of trust and solidarity, showing that Spain and Latvia are united
by a common goal—to defend every nation and every person within the
Alliance. Our cooperation extends beyond the military sphere—it
also includes culture, science, education, and public understanding
of security,” Minister Sprūds said.

As part of the National Day program, the Spanish Embassy hosted
a roundtable discussion at the Latvian War Museum titled
“Historical Experience and Contemporary Challenges: Spain and
Latvia in the Context of European Security.” The event brought
together historians and political scientists from both countries
and featured three thematic panels focusing on significant
historical moments and present-day challenges shared by Spain and
Latvia.

Commemorations will continue on Saturday, October 11, with a
public ceremony at Freedom Square and its surroundings in Riga. The
event will be attended by Defense Minister Sprūds, Spain’s
Ambassador to Latvia Manuel Alama Orenes, and the commander of the
Spanish contingent in Latvia, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Díaz
Simón.

The program will include a military parade and an exhibition of
military equipment, followed by a memorial ceremony honoring fallen
Spanish soldiers, with a wreath-laying and flower tribute at the
Freedom Monument.

After the parade, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy
traditional Spanish paella prepared by the Spanish Army field
kitchen.

“It is a great honor to celebrate our National Day at the
Freedom Monument, such an important symbol for Latvia. We want to
show the Latvian people Spain’s contribution to our shared security
and defense and to bring our military personnel closer to the local
community on this special day,” Ambassador Orenes said.

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