Rinkevics emphasizes importance of NATO unity and of strengthening NATO deterrence and defense policy

RIGA - Defense spending needs to be increased and NATO has to focus on achieving specific objectives, President Edgars Rinkevics stressed on Monday at the NATO Eastern Flank (B9) and Nordic Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.

The summit, which was also attended by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, discussed preparations for the NATO summit in The Hague at the end of June, as well as providing comprehensive support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, as Rinkevics' advisor Martins Dregeris informed LETA.

During the summit in Vilnius, the president emphasized the importance of NATO unity and of strengthening NATO's deterrence and defense policy. Rinkevics stressed the need for a significant increase in defense spending and investment in military industry in order to improve security of NATO member countries while supporting Ukraine. In his opinion, defense spending should be increased specifically to meet specific objectives of NATO capabilities.

The president also stressed the need to significantly strengthen anti-aircraft defense capabilities, which is particularly important for security of the Baltic countries. At the same time, Rinkevics noted the importance of long-term support for Ukraine and continued pressure against Russia.

At the summit, Rinkevics met with the new Romanian President Nicusor Dan to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries and the forthcoming NATO Summit in The Hague, as well as to thank Romania for its contribution to strengthening security of NATO's eastern flank.