Security partnership between Latvia and United States is of strategic importance - Kulbergs

RIGA - Security partnership between Latvia and the United States is of strategic importance, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (United List) emphasized during a meeting with visiting members of the U.S. Congress.

On Sunday, Kulbergs met with members of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee to discuss security cooperation between the two countries and ways to further strengthen it, the prime minister's advisor Elina Sverna told LETA.

The meeting focused on current security challenges, strengthening defense capabilities of the Baltic countries, the importance of the allied military presence in Latvia, and security of NATO's eastern flank.

Latvia hosted the largest-ever U.S. congressional delegation to visit the country to date, consisting of seven members of Congress: Ken Calvert, Betty McCollum, Jake Ellzey, John Rutherford, Scott Franklin, Nick LaLota, and Norma Torres.

According to Sverna, in early 2026 the U.S. Congress approved USD 200 million in funding to continue the Baltic Security Initiative through 2026, a decision of major importance for European and Baltic security. The funding helps strengthen defense capabilities of the Baltic countries and expand defense cooperation with the United States.

"Visits like this and regular dialog strengthen our cooperation and give us confidence that together we will be able to ensure the region's security even more effectively. We are grateful for the consistent support that helps strengthen defense capabilities of Latvia and the entire region," Kulbergs emphasized.

Kulbergs also thanked the United States for the presence of U.S. troops in Latvia, which helps strengthen security in the region and demonstrates the unity of the allies and their commitment to defending every NATO member state.

During the meeting, Kulbergs reaffirmed that security was a government priority and that Latvia would continue to make a substantial investments in its defense capabilities. Latvia's defense budget amounts to 5 percent of gross domestic product, and the government plans to maintain this level of defense spending in the coming years.

The parties also discussed continued support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, including the United States' significant role in strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities, as well as efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Raivis Melnis met with the U.S. congressional delegation to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional geopolitical challenges, the Defense Ministry told LETA.

During the meeting, the officials focused on cooperation between the two countries in strengthening defense capabilities and developing the military industry. They also discussed the outcomes of the recent NATO summit in Ankara and coordinated future actions to provide long-term support for Ukraine.

"The United States is one of our most important strategic partners. In today's dynamic geopolitical environment, our transatlantic relationship, shared values, and understanding of security are of crucial importance. Close cooperation, both within NATO and through bilateral projects, is a direct contribution not only to Latvia's security but also to the security of the entire alliance and Europe," Melnis emphasized.