RIGA, June 18 (LETA) - A new significant player has joined Latvia's vibrant and diverse cultural life - Sabile Art, Culture and Tourism Center, President Egils Levits said at the center's opening ceremony on Friday. 

Justine Deicmane, head of the president's press office, informed that Levits on Friday participated in the opening of the Sabile Art, Culture and Tourism Center, thanking those who brought the idea of the culture center to life. 

The president also said that the "combination of beautiful landscapes of Kurzeme, the atmosphere of bygone times and contemporary art" are the source of the culture center's strength. 

Addressing participants of the ceremony, Levits said that Sabile stands out among other small towns of Latvia with its unique appearance suggesting of long and rich history. The  building of the culture center, which is a former synagogue, also belongs to the town's history, the president said. 

"Now this synagogue has obtained a new significance as a culture and art center, which will be not just a center of local importance but will also gather artists and art lovers from near and far," the president said. 

Wishing Sabile many creative ideas and success in cultural endeavors, Levits voiced hope that along with the Pedvale art and landscape park and Wine Hill, the new center will strengthen Sabile as a highly attractive tourist destination.