NATO will continue to be Latvia's security guarantor - PM

2024-10-17
LETA/TBT Staff

RIGA - NATO will continue to play an important role in Latvia's security, Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity) stressed at a meeting with the new NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels on Wednesday.

As the State Chancellery informed LETA, during the meeting the officials mainly discussed further steps to strengthen collective defense and support for Ukraine in defeating Russian aggression.

The NATO Secretary General appreciated Latvia's great contribution to strengthening national, regional and collective security, as well as its substantial support to Ukraine. The Prime Minister called for close cooperation with the European Union, including on military industrial development.

Silina noted that NATO's role in Latvia's security was more important than ever, given the continuation of Russia's war in Ukraine and the escalation of conflicts in the Middle East. "That is why we are working together to strengthen the deterrence and defense of the Alliance as a whole. Latvia is a reliable NATO partner," the Prime Minister underlined.

The Prime Minister reminded that Latvia currently invests more than 3 percent of its gross domestic product in defense, and that Latvian soldiers are also participating in NATO missions around the world.

"Peace and stability are the foundations of growth and prosperity. Without strong support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, peace is not possible not only in Europe, but in the whole world," said Silina, noting that after meeting the new NATO Secretary General she is confident that the Alliance is in safe hands and will become even stronger and more united under his leadership.

Rutte took up his post as NATO Secretary General on October 1. Silina was the first Head of Government of a NATO Member State to be received by the Secretary-General at his official residence, the State Chancellery notes.

The Prime Minister is attending the European Union-Gulf Summit and the European Council in Brussels from October 16 to 18.