At upcoming NATO Summit, Allies must demonstrate significant progress in increasing defense spending - Braze

RIGA - At the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, Allies must demonstrate significant progress in increasing defense spending, Foreign Minister Baiba Braze (New Unity) said during a working visit to Turkey on April 17 to 19, where she participated in the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

According to the minister's advisor Toms Sadovskis, Braze addressed participants in the panel discussion titled "Securing Europe: Unity and Strategic Renewal towards NATO Ankara Summit". She also met with several international partners - the foreign ministers of Ukraine, Turkey and Jordan, Albanian Europe and foreign affairs minister, the UN special representative on violence against children, and other officials.

Participants of the panel discussion exchanged views on preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara on July 7 and 8, as well as discussed current Euro-Atlantic security issues and challenges. "Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has fundamentally changed Europe's perception of threats. At the NATO Summit in Ankara, Allies must demonstrate significant progress in increasing defense spending," Braze emphasized. She said that Latvia is already allocating 4.91 percent of GDP to defense this year, and, from next year onwards, at least 5 percent.

"We expect other countries to follow this example and reach 5 percent of GDP well before 2035," said Braze.

During the discussion, Turkey's significant role in strengthening security in the Euro-Atlantic area and the Black Sea region was also highlighted. Braze emphasized the need to continue unwavering support for Ukraine, which is essential for the security of Europe as a whole. Last year, Latvia provided military aid to Ukraine amounting to 0.3 percent of GDP.

Joining the minister in the panel discussion were NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska, Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Zeki Levent Gumrukcu, as well as Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys. The discussion was moderated by the Geneva Centre for Security Policy Executive Director Thomas Greminger.

In a bilateral meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Braze emphasized: "Turkey is an important NATO Ally. We highly value Turkey's contribution to strengthening security in the Baltic region, including Turkey's participation in NATO Baltic Air Policing mission."

The ministers discussed the need to continue close coordination within NATO to strengthen the Alliance's deterrence and defense capabilities. In the economic field, the ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation between the defense industries of both countries. The officials also discussed the current situation in the Middle East. Latvia appreciates Turkey's active participation in diplomatic efforts to achieve peace between the United States and Iran.

During her first meeting with Albania's new Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha, Braze highlighted Albania's significant contribution to strengthening security in the Baltic region. The Albanian side expressed gratitude to Latvia for its support for the Western Balkans region and Albania's progress toward integration into the European Union. The parties discussed opportunities to deepen bilateral relations and cooperation within NATO.

In a bilateral meeting with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Braze discussed the current situation in the Middle East. The meeting underscored support for international efforts to ensure access to the Strait of Hormuz and freedom of maritime navigation. The minister expressed her gratitude to Jordan for its support of the UN resolution on achieving lasting peace in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of international unity in mitigating the consequences of Russian aggression.

During a meeting with the UN Special Representative on Violence against Children Najat Maalla M'jid, it was emphasized that the abduction and deportation of 20,000 Ukrainian children by Russia constitutes one of the most serious war crimes committed by the aggressor. The officials discussed the next practical steps for identifying these children, ensuring their safe and swift return to Ukraine, as well as options for psychological rehabilitation.

During the visit, Braze also met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, EU Special Representative for Human Rights Kajsa Ollongren, and other officials.

The Antalya Diplomacy Forum has been organized by the Turkish Foreign Ministry since 2021. Its main objective is to discuss global challenges, share insights, promote dialogue among nations, and seek common solutions. The main theme of this year's Antalya Diplomacy Forum is "Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties".