Latvian defmin to to discuss development of air base with U.S. Air Force secretary

On July 15 Latvian Defense Minister Raimonds Bergmanis and State Secretary of Ministry of Defense Jānis Garisons will meet with United States Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James this Friday to discuss current cooperation and the U.S. contribution towards the development of the Lielvarde air base in central Latvia, as well as matters related to regional security.

Bergmanis and James will discuss various matters related to the development and certification of the air base's capabilities which would ultimately allow fighter jets to land at the base. The minister will also thank the U.S. side for its contribution in the NATO patrol mission over Baltic skies, and the two sides will also discuss future military exercises.

James will also visit the Lielvarde air base, where she will meet with top Latvian Air Force officers, get acquainted with the base, as well as meet with U.S. soldiers stationed there at the moment.

Daina Ozoliņa
Senior desk representative
Media Relations Section
Phone: +371 67335224