Raimonds Vējonis stated that the US presence in the Baltic region was and would be crucial. Ongoing international military exercise “Saber Strike 2017” led by the United States illustrates that as well. The President of Latvia is convinced that improving the soldiers’ knowledge and developing their skills are material, because even the most modern equipment will be meaningless without them.
Under changing conditions of global security, international cooperation plays a significant role in strengthening defensibility of countries. Next year Latvia will increase its defence spending to two per cent of gross domestic product. Development of the armed forces continues, and the US provides invaluable support to Latvia in this process.
During the conversation, General Lengyel confirmed that cooperation with Latvia was very important for the United States, therefore we managed to accomplish a great deal in 24 years. He said that the US commitment to cooperation in security was genuine and dedicated and that the US presence in the Baltic region was intensified.
Cooperation with the Michigan National Guard under the command of General Vadnais is particularly laudable. There are very significant projects aimed at the development of Latvia’s defensibility in collaboration with the Michigan National Guard implemented for more than two decades.