Lithuanian defence minister awarded Latvia’s highest state honour

Lithuania’s Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas has been awarded Latvia’s Order of the Three Stars, the country’s highest civilian state decoration, LRT reports.

The honour was presented during a state visit to Lithuania by Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs. Upon receiving the award, Kaunas described himself as “pleasantly surprised and honoured.”

“This order is a meaningful recognition of the friendship between Lithuania and Latvia, our mutual trust, and joint efforts for the security of our region. Lithuania and Latvia are bound not only by neighbourhood but also by shared history, values, and responsibility for the future of the Baltic region. I will continue to strive for even stronger cooperation between our countries. The unity of the Baltic states will remain the axis of defence,” he said.

The Order of the Three Stars was established in 1924 to mark the founding of an independent state and reinstated in 1994. Its motto, “Per aspera ad astra” (Through hardships to the stars), underscores its prestige. The order is awarded to individuals for outstanding merits.