Latvian Minister of Defence Artis Pabriks has met with US Congress representatives Don Bacon, Ruben Gallego and Sara Jacobs. During the meeting, Pabriks asked the US to increase military aid for Latvia.
The parties met to discuss the current geopolitical situation following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Latvian-US mutual cooperation in defence and the need to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank, as reported by Ministry of Defence.
During talks the minister stressed the need to provide all possible support to Ukraine, adding that Russia’s war in Ukraine would determine the future of Europe or even the transatlantic.
Pabriks invited to not underestimate Russia’s weakness, as the country learned from mistakes. He also voiced concerns that not all western countries provided Ukraine with sufficient aid.
During talks the minister affirmed Latvia’s readiness to defend itself and also stressed the need to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank’s defence. Pabriks invited US to support the increase of NATO’s expanded battalion to brigade-level units and expand US military aid to Latvia by increasing military presence and providing financing to develop Latvia’s defence capabilities.
According to data provided by Ministry of Defence, US congressmen agreed with Pabriks and said work was being put into providing Baltic States with additional aid.
US Congress representatives who visited Latvia worked in the Armed Forces Committee of the House of Commons, which was responsible for US defence policy and military operations. Congressman Bacon, who represents the Nebraska, and congressman Gallego, who was elected from Arizona, are co-chairmen of the Baltic Support Group of the House of Representatives. Congressman Jacobs, who was elected from California, works in the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives.
Currently about 1,000 US troops are already stationed in Latvia. These troops are stationed on rotation basis, performing deterrence and military exercises. (BNN/Business World Magazine)
