Minister of Defence and NATO Secretary General discuss Latvian – NATO cooperation

During a meeting in Brussels on February 26, Minister of Defence Raimonds Vējonis and NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen discussed Latvian-NATO cooperation. Vejonis briefed the NATO chief on the priorities of the new Latvian government, as well as projects aimed at the Latvian armed forces' development.

Rasmussen pointed out that with the alliance's summit in Wales nearing, the question of NATO allies’ defense spending was becoming increasingly pressing and that there were concerns about Latvia's ability to meet its commitment to raising defense spending to 2 percent of GDP, as Latvia's current budget trends suggest that the target may not be met.

The talks between Rasmussen and Vejonis also dealt with the situation in Afghanistan and Ukraine, as well as Latvia's contribution to the NATO-led airspace policing mission in the Baltics. Vejonis informed Rasmussen about an increased activity of the Russian air forces near the Baltic states' borders in the past week.

Rasmussen thanked Latvia for its contribution to the NATO-led multinational operation in Afghanistan and for hosting NATO's Steadfast Jazz 2013 military exercise last fall.

Rasmussen also spoke appreciatively of Latvia's initiative to create the NATO Strategic Communications Center of Excellence, saying that its main task will be to develop the alliance's strategic communications capabilities.

Andis Jēkabsons
Public Relations Adviser
Phone: +371 67335055
E-mail: andis.jekabsons@mod.gov.lv