US military presence and investments in Latvia send strong signal of deterrence - Defense Ministry official

RIGA - The United States' military presence in Latvia and investments into development of our capabilities send a strong signal of deterrence, which is very significant in current geopolitical situation, Defense Ministry State Secretary Aivars Purins said during a meeting with the United States Secretary of the Air Force, Frank Kendall.

As LETA was told at the ministry, Purins and the Latvian Air Force Commander, Colonel Viesturs Masulis, met with US Secretary of the Air Force Kendall, who has arrived in Latvia on a working visit. 

"Alongside our Latvian allies, we consistently and convincingly demonstrate NATO’s value as an enduring deterrent to potential aggressors in the Baltics. The United States deeply appreciates Latvia’s contributions to our mutual security relationship," Kendall said following a visit to the National Armed Forces' Air Base Lielvarde.

“Military presence of the United States in Latvia and investments into development of our capabilities send a strong signal of deterrence, which is very significant in current geopolitical situation," Purins noted. 

During the meeting, the officials discussed defense cooperation between Latvia and the United States, topical issues in Latvian defense policy and the development of the capabilities of the National Armed Forces (NAF), as well as the situation of regional security and support to Ukraine in strengthening its defense capabilities.

Purins briefed Kendall on the priorities of the Latvian defense sector, including the implementation of the National Defense Service and comprehensive national defense, the establishment of Selonia Military Training Area and strengthening of air defense. Further opportunities of joint military exercises at the Air Base Lielvarde and Selonia military training ground were discussed as well.

The officials also discussed the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission and Latvia's experience as the mission's host country. 

During his visit, Kendall got acquainted with the infrastructure of the NAF Air Base Lielvarde and met with Latvian and allied soldiers stationed at the base.

The Air Base Lielvarde is manned on a rotational basis by US Air Force personnel, Spanish NASAMS anti-aircraft battery personnel, as well as German Air Force personnel ensuring the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission from the base.