On 16 July, President Edgars Rinkēvičs met with the Chief of the State Border Guard, General Guntis Pujāts, at the Jūrmala residence. The discussion focused on the current situation along Latvia’s eastern border, illegal migration statistics on the Latvian-Belarusian border, and the dynamics in the number of persons prevented from entry and detained.
“The hybrid warfare tactics employed by Russia and Belarus along the external border of NATO and the European Union demand constant vigilance from our services. Border security is our first line of defence, and it must be reinforced every day – with personnel, technology and infrastructure,” said President Rinkēvičs.
President of Latvia stated that he plans to visit the eastern border of the country in the second half of August to assess, on site, the progress made in the development of border infrastructure and the implementation of technological solutions, as well as the military reinforcement of the border. He underlined the importance of close cooperation between the State Border Guard and the National Armed Forces in ensuring effective deterrence and defence capabilities along Latvia’s eastern border, including the deployment of anti-mobility barriers and air defence measures. E. Rinkēvičs also highlighted the significance of maintaining regular dialogue with local governments in the eastern border regions.
President Rinkēvičs and General Pujāts also discussed the staffing situation within the State Border Guard, its dynamics over the last year, taking into account the salary increase within the interior sector. The issue of service pensions was also addressed during the conversation.
