Baltic countries have significant impact on NATO policy-making - Canadian defense minister

RIGA - The policies and actions of the three Baltic countries are appreciated by their Western allies and have a significant impact on NATO policy-making, Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand emphasized during her visit to Latvia.

President Egils Levits met with the Canadian defense minister at the Riga Castle today, as the President Chancery's press officer Justine Deicmane told LETA. Levits thanked Canada for its contribution to Latvia and the Baltic region's security, active role in strengthening the security of Latvia and the entire Baltic region, leading the NATO battle group in Latvia.

Bilateral relations between Latvia and Canada are also characterized by close cooperation, upholding international law, and a historically active Latvian community in Canada, said Lavits. He also said that he hoped for Canada's interest in strengthening cooperation in information and communication technology, where Latvia has considerable experience.

Levits said that he appreciated Canada's support for bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities. The two officials agreed that only a united, strong and credible Western response could deter Russia from pursuing further military aggression against Ukraine, which has continued since 2014 when Russia illegally occupied the Crimean peninsula.