Spain to send another 175 soldiers to Latvia

RIGA - Spain will send another 175 soldiers to Latvia, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced during a visit to the Adazi military base on Tuesday. 

Commenting on the war started by Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ukraine, Sanchez indicated that Spain wants peace and does not want a war with Russia. 

It is important for us to be united. This is of utmost importance. At present, sanctions are the best way to urge Putin to end the war, the Spanish prime minister said.

Sanchez added that by continuing his war in Ukraine, Putin has "deprived" Ukrainian women of International Women's Day celebrations. 

According to information available on the Defense Ministry's homepage, the Canada-led NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Latvia includes over 1,500 soldiers from Albania, Czech Republic, Italy, Iceland, Canada, Montenegro, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. On the rotational basis, soldiers from these countries arrive in Latvia to take part in military exercises alongside Latvian troops. The purpose of joint training is to boost the interoperability with regional allies required to respond to potential security threats.

NATO enhanced Forward Presence battle groups deployed in Baltics and Poland contribute to NATO’s deterrence policy and Alliance’s collective defense. They also demonstrate the solidarity of allied forces, as well as Alliance’s commitment to defend itself against all types of aggression.

Considering the necessity to bolster Baltic security, Canada has committed to sending 100 more troops to Latvia. They will join 540 other Canadian soldiers serving with the battle group.

The United States recently rotated a contingent of 300 soldiers to Latvia. 

As reported, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez are visiting Latvia on Tuesday.