On 30 November, President of Latvia Egils Levits met with the US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken in the Riga Castle to discuss regional security and the upcoming NATO Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs. President Levits thanked the US troops for their presence in the region and urged the US to increase their presence due to increasing security concerns over developments on the European Union and NATO’s external border.
Secretary Blinken thanked Latvia for hosting the NATO Riga Ministerial, during which key issues for the Alliance’s future will be discussed. USA is seriously concerned about the Russian military build-up near Ukrainian border, US Secretary of State stressed. Mr Blinken also underlined the importance of NATO remaining strong and capable of quick response to any possible threats. This also includes offering Ukraine all kinds of assistance required to enhance its defence capabilities.
US Secretary of State confirmed the commitment of US President Joe Biden to security of the Baltic region and NATO Article 5 and pointed out that these issues will also be thoroughly discussed by foreign ministers during the Riga Ministerial.
President Levits emphasised the significance of transatlantic ties for the defence, economy and strengthening of democracy. He urged US to be active in the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) Investment Fund, as well as at the 3SI Summit and Business forum, which will take place in Riga in June of 2022.
Secretary Blinken expressed his support for 3SI and confirmed that US intends to participate in the 3SI Investment Fund because of its significance for business and political cooperation. USA has high interest in joining various communication technology partnership projects. This is an area which is also prioritised by EU-US Trade and Technology Council, which is currently seeking ways to strengthen the resilience of global supply chains.
Egils Levits reminded that Latvia and the United States of America will celebrate the 10 years since establishment of diplomatic relations next year. He also mentioned that Latvia will never forget the US policy of non-recognition of occupation and strict adherence to international laws.
US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken praised President of Latvia for his active stance on sustainability, including international advocacy during the COP26 Glasgow Summit where President Levits called for greater use of renewables to mitigate the climate change.
President and State Secretary discussed the Summit for Democracy initiated by the President of US Joe Biden, which will remotely meet already next week. Secretary Blinken thanked President Levits for accepting the invitation to participate in the Summit and sharing its valuable experience in rebuilding democracy.
Egils Levits and Antony J. Blinken also discussed the importance of Holocaust remembrance and paid tribute to innocent victims of Rumbula tragedy 80 years ago.