The highest academic recognition of the university was awarded to E. Rinkevičius by Klaipėda University for his long-term contribution to strengthening cooperation between Lithuania and Latvia, the security of the Baltic region, and the development of cultural and academic ties.
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The ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda with the First Lady Diana Nausėdienė, a large academic community from Lithuania and Latvia – university rectors, honorary doctors, emeriti, Senate members, as well as the mayor of Klaipėda city, representatives of the diplomatic corps, state institutions, and university partners. The ceremony took place during the official state visit of the President of Latvia to Lithuania.
“University of the Future”
Klaipėda University Rector Prof. Dr. Artūras Razbadauskas, presenting the new honorary doctor, the President of Latvia, to the academic community and guests, emphasized that this recognition is awarded not only for personal merits but also for values important to the university.
“For universities, security, democracy, and the rule of law are not abstract political concepts. They are essential conditions for academic freedom, international scientific research, and the free movement of ideas. It is an honor for Klaipėda University to recognize a person whose activities consistently strengthen trust, cooperation, and unity in the Baltic region. This is also our university’s commitment to fostering close academic ties between Lithuania and Latvia,” said A. Razbadauskas.
Accepting the honorary doctorate title and regalia, the President of Latvia said that such recognition was unexpected but very valuable to him. In his speech, E. Rinkevičius emphasized that Klaipėda University and Latvian higher education institutions already cooperate closely, and the role of universities in the Baltic region will only grow in the future.
“Klaipėda University was born at a time when our countries restored their statehood and returned to Europe. Today it is a university of the future, with a clear mission – to create knowledge, strengthen cooperation, and unite the Baltic Sea region. I am pleased with the growing cooperation between Klaipėda and Latvian universities,” said E. Rinkevičius.
The President of Latvia also stressed that Lithuania and Latvia are connected not only by a shared history, membership in the European Union and NATO, but also by a common understanding that freedom, democracy, and regional security require constant cooperation.
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The President of the Republic of Lithuania emphasized at the ceremony that KU honors a person whose professional life was dedicated to building bridges between Lithuania and Latvia.
“Today, Klaipėda University, by awarding the honorary doctorate to President Edgar Rinkevičius, honors not only his personal achievements but also the values he embodies. Dialogue, cooperation, and responsibility. And probably most importantly – the long-term friendship between Lithuania and Latvia,” said G. Nausėda.
KU honorary doctor Vladas Algirdas Bumelis, speaking at the event, expressed the idea that small states can achieve great things only by cooperating and using knowledge. “Therefore, the role of universities is special – they educate young people, help them grow, create new ideas, and strengthen the future of the entire Baltic region. I am glad that Klaipėda University significantly contributes to Lithuanian and Latvian academic cooperation, and today our university community is joined by the President of Latvia Edgar Rinkevičius,” said V. A. Bumelis.
Academic connection that will continue
Klaipėda University actively cooperates with Latvian higher education institutions – it has signed cooperation agreements with twelve Latvian universities and other higher education institutions. The partnership includes student and faculty exchanges, joint scientific research, study programs, and international projects in various fields – from social and health sciences to engineering, marine research, and environmental studies.
The honorary doctorate title is one of the most significant forms of academic respect and recognition awarded to individuals whose activities have significantly contributed to the development of science, society, and international cooperation.
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