From 11 to 13 December 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, during a working visit to the United States of America, Washington, D.C., met with US politicians, experts and researchers to discuss transatlantic cooperation between Latvia and the US, in particular, on security and economic matters, cooperation in NATO, support to Ukraine and the security situation in Europe. The Minister took part in discussions at several influential US think-tanks and gave interviews to the media.
“The US is Latvia’s strategic partner and ally, and the two countries will continue to cooperate closely, especially in the field of security – it being in the interests of both Latvia and the US to prevent upheavals in international security and strengthen the security of the transatlantic space. We are of the same mind that strong support and assistance to Ukraine in its fight against the aggressor Russia must continue – the stronger battlefield positions Ukraine will have, the better its positions will be at the moment of peace talks,” Baiba Braže underlined in meetings with politicians and officials from the Democrat and Republican parties.
Baiba Braže also highlighted Latvia’s desire for the US economic involvement in Latvia to be deeper, especially in the areas of military industry, ICT and high technologies. She particularly underscored opportunities for collaboration on 5G testing projects at Ādaži Military Base and promote investments in the development of artificial intelligence, 6G solutions and quantum technologies, where Latvia has taken a leading position. Baiba Braže said the US and the EU were the most closely integrated economies in the world and diversifying supply chains through cooperation with trusted partners was of critical importance in the current geopolitical situation.
Baiba Braže gave appreciation to the Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt Campbell, the Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, James O’Brien, and Nominee to be Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, former US Ambassador to NATO, Julie Smith, for long-lasting productive cooperation made possible between Latvia and the Secretary of State’s team. The Minister underlined that Latvia’s strategic priority is to maintain close relations with the US and that Latvia highly values and is thankful for US leadership in the strengthening of NATO’s eastern flank.
The Minister met the Director of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), David Cattler, for a discussion on global and regional cyber security and defence issues. The officials agreed that it was vital to continue cooperation, including to effectively counter Russia’s hybrid threats.
In a meeting with the Republican Senator from Montana, Steve Daines, and the newly-elected Chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Representative Brian Mast, Baiba Braže exchanged views on NATO’s presence in the Baltic and underlined that the US military presence in Latvia strengthens not only local security but also that of the entire Euro-Atlantic area. She also noted that Latvia’s contribution to defence has reached 3.25 per cent of GDP in 2024, and is expected to increase to about 3.45 per cent of GDP next year.
The Minister took part in discussions held at several US think-tanks – the Atlantic Council, the American Enterprise Institute, and the Hudson Institute. The exchange focused on Latvia’s foreign policy priorities, including transatlantic cooperation, global security challenges, energy security and the role of democracy.
Baiba Braže had interviews with US media, including Bloomberg.
Further information
- The US recognised the Republic of Latvia de jure on 28 July 1922. Until the restoration of Latvia’s independence in 1991, the United States consistently pursued the policy of non-recognition of the occupation of Latvia, provided an invaluable contribution to the restoration of Latvia’s statehood, and facilitated Latvia’s integration into NATO and the EU.
- More about Latvia-US bilateral relations (in Latvian)
- Interview with Bloomberg:
