On January 16, 2012 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Kostyantyn Gryshchenko took part in the opening ceremony of the renovated building of the Ukrainian Secondary School in Riga. The ceremony was attended by President of Latvia Andris Bērziņš and Riga’s Mayor Nils Ušakovs.

Speaking at the opening of the school, the Minister read out a congratulatory letter from the President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych. In his letter the Ukrainian President expressed confidence that the school will continue to preserve and promote the glorious tradition of unity and friendship between the Ukrainian and Latvian peoples.

Minister Gryshchenko thanked the Latvian leadership for supporting this core of Ukrainian life in Latvia and informed about the measures of the Ukrainian state aimed at further support of Ukrainians abroad. "Just a year ago, when I was visiting this place, an idea to renovate the facilities of your school has been announced. And today our dream came true. Ukrainian Secondary School in Riga has finally got a great well-renovated building "- said Minister Gryshchenko.

The Ukrainian Foreign Minister donated to the Ukrainian Secondary School in Riga a special interactive system to equip the cabinet of the Ukrainian studies, as well as more than 170 books for the school library.

Students of the school performed a concert presenting Ukrainian and Latvian folk songs and dances.

"This renovated school is a striking example of genuine concern about national minorities in Latvia, the testimony of her friendly attitude towards Ukraine", stressed the Foreign Minister of Ukraine.

The celebration was attended by famous Latvian politicians, representatives of diplomatic corps in Riga, local media, the Ukrainian community activists, scientists and intellectuals.