New NATO defence plans that will be approved at the summit in Vilnius will serve as an important element of NATO’s deterrence policy. However, there will be a lot of work ahead to implement those plans and practically reinforce NATO’s collective security, said Latvia’s Minster of Defence Ināra Mūrniece on Wednesday, the 17th of May.
“I believe in the future we will see a more often and more expansive presence of allies in Latvia and a much more powerful NATO in general,” said Mūrniece.
On Tuesday and Wednesday Baltic Defence Ministers Committee convened in Jekabpils. This meeting was attended by Mūrniece, Lithuania’s Minister of Defence Arvydas Anusauskas and Estonia’s Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.
Mūrniece noted that cooperation of Baltic states has always been decisive when it comes to the region’s security, and it is even more important now than ever before. In regards to regional defence-related challenges, Baltic States agree that Russia will remain the biggest military threat to them and the alliance, and there is no reason to expect positive changes in Russia’s foreign policy. This is why Baltic States will continue investing into their defensive capabilities.
At the same time, Baltic States will continue supporting Ukraine. For example, this year Latvia will train 3 000 Ukrainian troops.
Ministers also agreed to significantly increase their support for NATO allies that patrol the air space of Baltic States.
Mūrniece mentioned that Ādaži military base and military site is currently the biggest in the Baltic States, but the upcoming Sēlija military site will be better and even bigger.
Anusauskas said he is happy to see cooperation between Baltic States becoming stronger, adding that NATO is a great example of collective security. Pevkur said it is necessary to think about increasing the defence budget, because Russia’s aggression in Ukraine still continues.
Baltic ministers met to discuss the situation with regional security and related challenges, provision of support to Ukraine, as well as Baltic States’ priorities at the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius.
Baltic ministers of defence also discussed mutual cooperation of their armed forces to enhance their combat capabilities, including the development of anti-air defence and joint defence procurements.
Latvia has the leading role in the trilateral cooperation format with Baltic States. Latvian, Estonia and Lithuania maintain regular dialogue between their ministers and armed forces commanders, as well as experts to help develop their defence policies and capabilities.
The Baltic States cooperation format also helps implement multiple important projects – Joint Headquarters Element of the Baltic States, cooperation between the Land Forces, Air Force and Navy, as well as cooperation in the Baltic Defence College.
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