Rinkevics in US expresses readiness to deliver 5G equipment, which is in demand around the world and manufactured in Latvia

RIGA - Latvia is ready to deliver globally demanded 5G equipment, which is fully developed and manufactured in a NATO member - Latvia, said Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics (New Unity) during a meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman in Washington DC.

The minister met with Sherman to discuss bilateral relations between Latvia and the US, including economic cooperation between the two countries, especially in the fields of information technology and energy. The two sides also discussed preparations for the NATO Summit in Vilnius this summer, support to Ukraine and security policy issues in the region.

During the meeting, Rinkevics expressed his satisfaction with the close bilateral political and security cooperation that has developed between Latvia and the US. The minister thanked the current administration of the US president for promoting the safe development, production and distribution of 5G technologies, especially among allies, and expressed Latvia's readiness to supply world-requested 5G equipment, fully developed and manufactured in a NATO member - Latvia.

The officials discussed the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius in the summer. The minister expressed gratitude for the US military presence in the Baltic region and assured that Latvia will continue to provide support as the host country for the increased allied forces.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs informed that it is planned to increase national defense expenses to 2.5 percent of the gross domestic product by 2025 and 3 percent of the gross domestic product by 2027.

Rinkevics expressed the position that the US military presence is very important for the reliable deterrence and protection of NATO in the Baltic region and called on the US to invest in Latvia.

The officials discussed supporting Ukraine in the war against Russia. Latvia highly appreciates the significant contribution and support of the US leadership in Ukraine's military efforts so far. Rinkevics expressed Latvia's determination to continue to support Ukraine bilaterally as much as possible. Until now, Latvia has invested more than 1.14 percent (EUR 498 million) of the gross domestic product in military support to Ukraine.

During the meeting, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia expressed concern about Russia's destabilizing activities in Moldova, which are purposefully carried out with hybrid attacks and disinformation campaigns in Moldova.