On 12 September, President Edgars Rinkēvičs met at the Riga Castle with General Alexus G. Grynkewich, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and Commander of United States Forces in Europe, during his first visit to Latvia. The meeting addressed the current security situation, the deployment and capabilities of NATO forces, and planned military activities on the Alliance’s eastern flank, with particular focus on air defence.
“Russia is testing NATO and its Allies' capabilities and commitment with increasing intensity, seeking to deter support for Ukraine and deliberately attempting to create a sense of instability and insecurity in society. The best response is to strengthen both our own and the Alliance’s deterrence and defence capabilities, and to further enhance NATO’s military presence on the eastern flank. The establishment of the Baltic airspace defence mission must be prioritised," emphasised Edgars Rinkēvičs.
The meeting also discussed the strategic significance of the United States’ military presence on the eastern flank. President Rinkēvičs stressed Latvia’s readiness, as a host nation, to provide support for both United States and multinational forces in ensuring an enhanced presence.
The President underlined that Latvia is responsibly investing in the development of its defence capabilities in order to work with its Allies to strengthen the eastern border of NATO and the European Union, to enhance security in the Baltic Sea and the airspace of the Baltic States, as well as to promote societal resilience, including against hybrid warfare activities carried out by Russia and Belarus.
The NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe welcomed Latvia’s clear commitment to allocate 5 % of its gross domestic product to defence capabilities and to meet NATO capability targets.
Both parties agreed on the necessity of ensuring Ukraine’s priority defence capabilities, including through allied financial contributions to United States military aid deliveries and training for Ukraine’s Armed Forces. E. Rinkēvičs emphasised Latvia’s standing commitment to provide annual military support to Ukraine amounting to 0.25% of its GDP, as well as this year’s additional confirmed contribution of EUR 5 million to NATO’s programme for Ukraine’s priority capabilities.
The President of Latvia highlighted the significance of the visit of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, who simultaneously serves as Commander of United States Forces in Europe, General A.G. Grynkewich, at a time when Russia and Belarus are conducting the active phase of the “Zapad 25” military exercise. The parties discussed Latvia’s enhanced readiness measures, including the closure of airspace zones along the border, as well as NATO’s planned activities.
