Braze meets with U.S. Congressional delegation

RIGA - On July 26, Foreign Minister Baiba Braze (New Unity) met with a U.S. Congressional delegation (CODEL) to discuss strengthening the security of Latvia and the Baltic states, long-term support for Ukraine, transatlantic cooperation and economic cooperation between Latvia and the United States.

The minister thanked the U.S. Congress for its longstanding support for the security of Latvia and the Baltic states, highlighting in particular the importance of the Baltic Security Initiative in strengthening the region's defense capabilities. She noted that U.S. engagement in European security and a strong transatlantic partnership are essential prerequisites for strengthening NATO's collective security.

The discussion also covered economic cooperation between Latvia and the United States, including cooperation between the two countries' defense industries. Braze noted that Latvia offers an attractive environment for investment in dual-use technologies, autonomous systems and other sectors, as well as in research and development and the creative industries. The minister stressed the importance of further strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting also addressed the security situation in the Baltic region, the impact of Russia's war against Ukraine on European security, as well as the challenges posed by Russia and Belarus. The minister stressed that it is essential to maintain long-term military, political and economic support for Ukraine until a just and lasting peace is achieved, while continuing to increase sanctions pressure on Russia.