On Friday, 24 January 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Baiba Braže, agreed in a telephone call with newly appointed U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to expand cooperation in security, defence and technology, and discussed the need to increase defence spending within NATO, provide further support to Ukraine and constrain Russia.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Baiba Braže: “In the conversation, I highlighted our close partnership and thanked the United States for its support to Latvia from the very day our state was established. I underlined my support for the United States’ call on NATO Allies to increase their defence spending so as to ensure the necessary capabilities – air defence, long-range artillery, stopping illegal migration. I also stressed the need to put the “strength through peace” concept into practice, especially when it comes to constraining Russia. I informed Secretary of State Rubio about construction works to reinforce the eastern border of Latvia and noted that Latvia strengthens and guards the external border of the EU and NATO. I underlined the need to support Ukraine and achieve an agreement on a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.”
Latvia was one of the first that the U.S. requested a conversation with, emphasized close cooperation and partnership, and thanked Latvia for its contribution to defence and security.