NATO summit in Ankara must demonstrate the alliance's unity - Rinkevics

RIGA - At the NATO summit in Ankara, the alliance must demonstrate that, despite discussions and disputes, it is capable of standing united, President Edgars Rinkevics said after a meeting with Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (United List) on Monday.

Rinkevics said that he and Kulbergs agreed that it was essential for Latvia to achieve three goals at the NATO summit. First of all, the summit must demonstrate that the alliance is capable of presenting a united front despite discussions and disputes, said Rinkevics.

The alliance must stand united on key matters, namely, issues concerning support for Ukraine, NATO's Article 5, as well as development of NATO's capabilities.

The leaders of NATO member countries have committed to increasing defense spending to 5 percent of gross domestic product by 2035, said Rinkevics. At the same time, he acknowledged the need for the development of the defense industry. The Cabinet of Ministers is doing a good job in this regard, both by developing the local industry, as well as in the context of the agreement on comprehensive defense cooperation signed by Kulbergs and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and by ensuring the adoption of Ukraine's experience in protecting airspace against drone attacks.

Support for Ukraine will be a key issue at the NATO summit, said Rinkevics. The president of Ukraine will also attend the summit. Latvia has invested and will continue to invest in support for Ukraine, said Rinkevics.

At the same time, he noted that it is essential for NATO to be able to adapt to new challenges. New realities, including anti-drone defense, must also be taken into account. This issue has also been discussed with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, as well as with NATO experts, said Rinkevics.