Dear Generals,
Dear Commanders,
Dear officers and soldiers!
Today, marks a historic milestone in the biggest reinforcement of NATO’s collective defence in a generation.
I am honored to officially announce the transfer of command authority. From the Latvian Mechanized Infantry Brigade to the new command of NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia.
This opens a new chapter in a significantly strengthened defence posture on the eastern flank.
NATO and its Allies have taken strategically important decisions. They form the backbone of today’s NATO’s troop readiness and ongoing capability development.
These decisions are guided by the threat assessment and the iron-clad commitment of the Alliance to defend every inch of Allied territory.
Russia is the most direct and significant threat to Euro-Atlantic security.
This clear-eyed assessment stands at the core of the new baseline for NATO’s deterrence and defence posture for the long term.
Seven years since its establishment in 2017 NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence battle group in Latvia has grown in scale and scope. In troop numbers, combat readiness and capabilities. It has transitioned from a battalion-sized battlegroup to a brigade level force.
What was committed is continuously being delivered. Scaling up forward defences is an ongoing effort, where each contribution counts.
On behalf of Latvia as the host nation I extend my profound thanks to Canada for the multi-year Operation Reassurance. Canada’s leadership as the framework nation for the most multi-national forward land forces contingent has been remarkable. Delivering reassurance and tangibly demonstrating the strength of the transatlantic bond.
I am grateful for the excellent cooperation between Latvia and Canada together with Albania, Czechia, Denmark, Iceland, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.
Your presence and solid commitment is deeply appreciated and necessary.
It is not an easy task to form a unit with so many nations. In addition to the multi-nationality, your common ability to deploy, train and be fully combat-capable every six months stands out as a unique feature of professionalism.
The new brigade must maintain this legacy of success with even more forces. I am confident that you will be up to the task!
Latvia will continue do its part to provide the best possible host nation support.
While troops need to do their work on the ground, commanders must integrate these efforts within NATO’s Regional plans, as part of the Multinational Division “North”.
I look forward to the first field exercise Resolute Warrior to test and showcase the capabilities in action of more than 3500 Allied soldiers as part of the Brigade.
By working side by side, we will be able to ensure that NATO’s collective defence stands strong.