Baltics are waiting for Joe Biden ‘s interest in the region / Article / LSM.lv

How friendly Joe Biden’s foreign policy as US President could be to the Baltics is a question many ask. While still Vice President of the United States under Barack Obama’s government, Biden visited Latvia and expressed his unwavering support for our country and the Baltics as a whole. But Biden will also have to build relations with Russia.

We meet Karl Altauu and his assistant Madelen Miniat in Rockville, the Latvian Center, where he has had an office for many years. Karl is an Estonian who, under the leadership of the United American Baltic National Committee, defends the interests of the Baltics living here and works with the US authorities. This is a moment of change: the United States has nominated a new president and, as long as further procedures are favorable, it will be Democrat Joe Biden. The Baltic communities are also thinking about what this could mean for Latvia.

“When there was a debate on NATO enlargement twenty years ago, Biden was very interested and supportive of the Baltic States’ accession, and I think his interest and knowledge of the region will continue. Of course, we would also like to see the President of the United States visit the Baltics, as several have already done so – Bush, Clinton, and the Presidents of the Baltics have also gone to the White House, just as recently to meet with Trump. I am convinced that many countries around the world would like to see Biden with him, and one day it will also be the Baltics, ”says Karl Altaus, the head of the United States Baltic National Committee.

Biden arrived in Latvia four years ago as the Vice President of the United States, where he met with the Presidents of the Baltic States, affirming the unwavering support of the United States for the Baltics. He also addressed the National Library, highlighting Latvia’s ability to fight for freedom and return fully to the Western family.

But Biden will also have to build relations with Russia. So far, they are unclear. Russian President Vladimir Putin is one of those leaders who has said nothing about Biden’s election victory, but Biden’s earlier phrase that Russia is a greater threat to the United States than China, the Kremlin’s owner, of course, did not like.

“I think Biden’s people will talk to Putin’s people, and those contacts will be. Whether it will be a face-to-face meeting, as was the case with the Trump administration, or a call from time to time, we do not yet know, but when Putin finally picks up the phone and calls Baiden to greet him, maybe we will see a new door open. I don’t have much hope, but Biden’s people will definitely keep this opportunity open, “says Karl Altaus.

Ukraine and Belarus, given Baiden’s previous actions, could also be in his direct focus.

“Biden was a key man in relations with Ukraine during Obama’s time, and many times he personally went there and made contact with the Ukrainians living here. He will definitely continue to get involved. But Belarus is something new, even though Lukashenko has been in power for so long. In recent years, US policy has been more open to Belarus and even high-level visits have taken place, but this may have changed now. Involvement will be just a matter of what, ”says Karl Altaus.

Karl Altaus hopes that Biden’s new team will be open to cooperation with the Baltics. They have already been in contact with Biden’s campaign and received a signal that Biden will be interested in working with people who also expect a broad and smart foreign policy from the United States and a good foreign relationship.

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