The United States–Baltic military cooperation, defence procurement, a strong NATO and its deterrence and defence capabilities, achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine – the main topics discussed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, with the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, in Washington, D.C., on 25 March. The joint meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Baltic states – Baiba Braže, Margus Tsahkna, and Kęstutis Budrys – with Marco Rubio took place on an invitation from the U.S. side.
“The United States is a strategic ally of Latvia and all the Baltic states. We have a common understanding and vested interest in strengthening defence cooperation and building a stronger and safer NATO Alliance. I personally thank the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for his decision to continue financing military aid to the Baltic states – the military support provided by the U.S. has always been and will remain important for strengthening Latvia’s defence capabilities, and a permanent U.S. military presence in the Baltic region is key for Latvia’s security in the long term. Our mutual cooperation is in line with the national interests of both Latvia and the U.S. and makes our countries safer, stronger and wealthier,” Baiba Braže underlined in the meeting with Secretary Rubio.
The Minister thanked the U.S. for its indispensable support to Ukraine and efforts to achieve a lasting peace, which is essential for the long-term security of not only Ukraine, but also the Baltics and the entire Europe. “Since day one, Latvia has been among the biggest supporters of Ukraine in proportion to GDP, and Latvia will keep on with support to Ukraine in achieving a just and lasting peace. Latvia will also further advocate for a continued sanctions pressure on Russia in order to push it towards involvement in the search for peace and honouring an agreement reached,” Baiba Braže emphasized.
Baiba Braže emphasized that for 2025, Latvia has allocated the highest amount of funding to defence in the country’s history – over 1.5 billion euros or 3.66 % of GDP, and has committed to increase it to 5 % of GDP.
The Baltic ministers informed their American hosts about the strengthening of energy independence and security of the countries, including purchases of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the U.S. The U.S. LNG export to the Baltic region not only strengthens energy security, but also promotes long-term economic cooperation and partnership in joint research and development projects in the energy sector. Together with the U.S. experts, a series of practical security and economic cooperation projects have been clearly identified in the areas of common interest – strategic cooperation in defence and security, especially in cyber security, and in the fields of new technologies, where Latvia has covered a lot of ground – 5G/6G (testing and development of military technologies) and quantum technologies.
The Foreign Minister also met with Senators Mitch McConnel, Jeanne Shaheen, and Jerry Moran. Baiba Braže thanked them for the close dialogue with the U.S. Congress on important matters such as the U.S. global leadership, a close transatlantic bond, and efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Baiba Braže thanked the U.S. Congress for its support for the strengthening Latvia’s security through the Baltic Security Initiative, and she underlined Latvia’s desire to deepen cooperation with the U.S. in the defence sector.
At the Victims of Communism Memorial, all the Baltic Foreign Ministers took part in a commemorative event for the victims of the horrific deportations of March 1949. Foreign Minister Baiba Braže also attended a crowded screening of the animated film The Flow hosted by the Embassy of Latvia.
