Exact number of troops for brigade in Latvia will be determined in future talks - Canadian defense minister

MADRID - The exact number of troops for the brigade in Latvia will be determined in talks with the ten countries who are already participating in the Enhanced Forward Presence battle group, said Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand in a press conference during the NATO Summit in Madrid on Wednesday.

"This is a commitment that the Canadian government is making together with Latvia to work with our allies to move towards and surge to a brigade-level force in Latvia," she said, adding that Canada would also be ready to provide ammunition, explosives, air defense systems and anti-tank weapons systems to the forces in Latvia.

She said that Canada is fully aware that it is not just about increasing the number of troops, it is also about combat capability. Therefore, there will be joint work with the allies in relation to infrastructure, training, equipment.

Latvian Defense Minister Artis Pabriks (For Development) said that Latvia together with allies, and especially Canada, is increasing its defense capabilities. He thanked the Canadian defense minister, the Canadian government and society for empathy and understanding about the current situation in Europe's eastern and northern areas and the reason Latvia needs Canada's assistance.

"Ukraine's freedom and independence is our freedom and independence. Latvia's freedom and independence is also Canada's freedom and independence.," said Pabriks.

Pabriks said that Latvia will do its homework, ensuring the troops with training and all other things necessary for the brigade to stay in Latvia.