Talks between Latvian and Italian defense ministers focus on boosting air defense

RIGA - The defense ministers of Latvia and Italy during talks in Riga on Wednesday highlighted the development and strengthening of air defense, the press office of the Defense Ministry informed LETA.

On Wednesday, Defense Minister Andris Spruds (Progressives) met with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto who had arrived in Latvia on a working visit to discuss topical security and defense issues.

During the meeting, the defense ministers discussed support to Ukraine and strengthening its defense capabilities. The ministers stressed the need for continued military and political assistance in order to ensure Ukraine's ability to defend itself.

The development and strengthening of air defense to ensure the security of the region was also stressed in the talks.

The defense ministers also discussed the importance of cooperation between the Latvian and Italian defense industries and the possibility of launching joint projects, including in the Drone Coalition, especially drone development projects.

Italy is one of the member states of the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia. Italy has contributed a mechanized infantry company with armored vehicles to the battle group. Italy also regularly participates in the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission, a permanent peacetime mission to ensure the integrity of the sovereign airspace of the Alliance's member states.