President of Latvia: increased defence spending of the NATO Member States and closer involvement of NATO in combating terrorism are crucial

“The most important thing for Latvia is a solid confirmation that NATO is the most substantial organization, which guarantees the security both in Europe and in the USA and Canada, and that all the decisions that have been taken on the security of our region will be enforced,” stressed President of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis while participating in the NATO Meeting for the Heads of State and Government in Brussels on Thursday. 

The President of Latvia pointed out that therefore the issue of the national defence spending was very essential. In 2018, Latvia shall dedicate defence spending of 2% of gross domestic product according to the decisions made at the NATO Summit in Wales in 2014.

 

“Consensus among the allies in Europe and in North America in strengthening defensibility is crucial. These capabilities must meet the challenges of the 21st century, including the strengthening of cyber defence and strategic communications,” stated Raimonds Vējonis.

 

The President of Latvia supported greater involvement of NATO in combating terrorism. Latvia takes part in anti-terrorism and stabilisation operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Mali, as well as it supports demining activities in Syria.