RIGA - Latvia needs to move toward closer integration of military, civilian, public and private sector capabilities so that, if necessary, the country can respond more effectively to threats, Foreign Minister Baiba Braze (New Unity) emphasized on Friday in Riga while opening the 5th Forum of Latvian Professionals Working for International Organizations.
Latvia's priorities remain unchanged: national security, prosperity, and growth, as well as making the best use of the knowledge and skills of the Latvian people, said Braze. She also emphasized the importance of the education system in ensuring that Latvians can compete globally and put to use later their knowledge and experience acquired abroad for Latvia's development.
In terms of security, Latvia has decided to allocate at least 5 percent of its gross domestic product to defense henceforth, said Braze. Such high defense spending puts pressure on other sectors of the economy, however, given the current security situation, it is necessary and also generates returns for industrial development.
According to Braze, Latvia has been developing both traditional military capabilities, including ammunition and artillery supplies, as well as increasingly adopting technological solutions. At the same time, further work is still needed to develop Latvia's defense capabilities.
Commenting on her visit to Ukraine earlier this week, Braze emphasized that Ukraine's experience demonstrated the importance of cooperation between the military, civilian, private, and public sectors. During the war, the Ukrainians have been able to integrate these sectors to respond more effectively to threats, and Latvia, too, should do the same. In the meantime, Latvia is working to ensure that these capabilities will never have to be used. In Braze's opinion, cooperation with the defense industry, practical procurement, and mutual coordination of various instruments at the state's disposal are also essential in this context.
One of Ukraine's most pressing needs remains air defense, while protecting the energy sector and critical infrastructure is a key priority ahead of winter. In its foreign policy, Latvia must use legal, diplomatic, informational, and other instruments to reduce Russia's influence, support Ukraine, and promote Russia's international isolation, said the minister.
Braze also mentioned Latvia's work on the United Nations Security Council, where Latvia regularly highlights Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Regularly compiling facts and highlighting Russia's actions helps maintain the international community's attention and lays the groundwork for future political decisions. One of the upcoming issues Latvia wants to focus on more is the impact of Russia's war on global food security, she said.
Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports, transport and other infrastructure are hindering exports of Ukrainian agricultural products and may affect food availability and prices elsewhere in the world, especially in African and Asian countries, Braze explained.
"Food availability in Asia and Africa will be the real price the world pays for Russia's war," said Braze.
Commenting on transatlantic relations, Braze acknowledged that it was in Latvia's best interest to preserve NATO unity, as Russia would benefit the most from disagreements among the allies. Latvia continues to work with all its allies to strengthen their presence in the region and their unity in decision-making.
In Latvia's foreign policy, North America does not mean only the United States. Canada is also particularly important, as it is one of Latvia's key security allies and has made significant investments in Latvia. Braze said that the most effective models for strengthening economic cooperation between Latvia and Canada must be identified.
Braze also commented on the plans to establish the Defense, Security and Resilience Bank, involving eight countries, including Latvia and Canada. The bank's goal would be to improve access to financing for defense and dual-use companies, which often find it more difficult to secure commercial financing.
Speaking about Russia's hybrid threats, the foreign minister said that some of Russia's activities take place in environments that are difficult to monitor, including closed communication groups and various online platforms. Therefore, according to the minister, cooperation and information sharing between countries facing similar threats are essential.
As for the sanctions policy, Latvia is working to ensure that sanctions target not only individual companies, but the entire war-supporting ecosystem and networks of intermediaries that help Russia circumvent the restrictions. In these efforts, Latvia is cooperating not only with European Union member countries, but is also seeking to involve Canada, Great Britain, and partners in Asia.
Braze also emphasized that international normalization and legitimization of Russia's war in Ukraine must not be allowed. Russia is seeking to have its representatives elected to international organizations and to participate in various international events. In the minister's opinion, normalizing Russia's participation in international events poses a risk of also normalizing the war in Ukraine.
Speaking about development cooperation projects, Braze emphasized that Latvia was increasingly seeking to attract funding from other countries along its own funding, expanding the scope of projects and ensuring their sustainability. As examples, the foreign minister mentioned rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers and assistance for women who have suffered violence in Ukraine, where Latvia's initiatives are also attracting co-financing from other countries.
Braze also touched on Latvia's science and innovation policy, saying that regulations supported by the government would allow for more effective use of the results of Latvian scientists' work, generating economic benefits for the country.
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