"It shows the commitment of NATO to defend every member of the Alliance. It also proves that we understand that the threat to one Ally is a threat to us all, a threat to the principles and values that our Alliance is based upon and that we hold dear,” stated Raimonds Vējonis.
The President of Latvia stressed that Latvia had developed its self-defence capabilities since joining NATO in 2004. However, the world situation has become less secure in recent years due to Russia's aggressive actions against its neighbouring countries.
“Membership in NATO on its own is no longer enough. That is why our Alliance has acted swiftly and with determination to improve the self-defence capabilities of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia with the enhanced Forward Presence. I warmly welcome our reliable Allies,” said the President of Latvia. He also outlined that the enhanced Forward Presence is not simply a training mission, but deterrence in operation.
Raimonds Vējonis assured that Latvia would continue to improve its military capabilities in fulfilling its obligations as a NATO member state. In January, Latvia’s defence spending will reach 2% of GDP. The President of Latvia also emphasised that Latvia and the other Baltic States participated in operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as in the missions in the Mediterranean, in Mali and off the coast of Somalia. Latvia is also ready to continue fighting against terrorism within the Global Coalition against ISIS.