Modern weapons strengthen resilience but people's determination to defend their country is decisive - Murniece

RIGA - Modern weapons systems strengthen a country's resilience to threats, but the main and decisive aspect is the people's determination to defend their country, Defense Minister Inara Murniece (National Alliance) said at the NATO Resilience Symposium - Resilience in an Age of Turmoil. 

In her address to the participants of the symposium, the minister indicated that national and collective resilience to threats is one of the cornerstones of military defense. 

"In the current security circumstances it is critical to realize resilience to various threats as the whole society's collective and each individual's personal responsibility for NATO's deterrence and defense," Murniece said. 

Society's resilience to threats of various kinds originates in people's minds and hearts and comes before action, the minister said. In her words, Ukraine's armed forces and people are an example of the importance of mental resilience - confidence in one's own strength and the common goal to defend one's country. 

"We need to learn from Ukraine and continue to strengthen our national and collective resilience," Murniece said. 

To promote the whole society's readiness to deal with various crises and threats, including military threats, one of Latvia's priorities is the development of comprehensive national defense. Latvia will also continue to strengthen its people's mental resilience and preparedness to defend the country against any potential threats, Murniece said. 

The NATO Resilience Symposium - Resilience in an Age of Turmoil, organized by NATO Headquarters in cooperation with the Allied Transformation Command, has gathered over 250 civil and military leaders, policy makers and experts from NATO member states and partners in Riga from April 25 to April 27 to talk about resilience as the responsibility of each country and the collective commitment of the alliance.