Latvia reiterates that it expects decisions to increase NATO's military presence in the Baltics

• Published date: 15 May 2022
• Publication title: LETA

RIGA, May 15 (LETA) - Given the threats posed by Russia and its confrontational policy in the region, concrete decisions on strengthening the security of the Alliance's eastern flank must be made at the forthcoming NATO summit in Madrid in June this year, Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics emphasized.

ccording to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an informal meeting of NATO ministers in Berlin was organized this weekend to discuss Finland's and Sweden's relations with NATO, support for Ukraine and strengthening the Alliance's deterrence and defense.

In the run-up to NATO's meeting in Madrid, Rinkevics noted the need to continue efforts to increase member states' defense spending to ensure adequate funding for the Alliance's mission in today's strategic environment.

"The adjustment pace must be maintained so that NATO can make a successful adjustment in the next decade," Rinkevics said.

s the Minister emphasized, it is important for Latvia that the future NATO Strategic Concept realistically and without illusions reflect the existing security environment, its challenges and threats. Latvia urges that the concept reflect elements such as Russia's long-term threat to the Alliance, emphasis on collective security as NATO's core mission, further political and military adaptation of the Alliance, transatlantic unity, new technology challenges, NATO-EU cooperation and affirmation of open door policies.

It is also in Latvia's interest to make it clear in NATO's Strategic Concept that fundamental changes in NATO's deterrence and defense are needed to protect the region and deter Russia.

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