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Latvia and Lithuania Strengthen Ties, Focus on Regional Security
Latvian and Lithuanian Foreign Ministers recently met to reaffirm their strong bilateral relationship and address pressing regional security concerns. Discussions highlighted prosperous collaboration within the Nordic, Baltic, EU, and NATO frameworks. Latvia’s recent election to the UN Security Council was welcomed by Lithuania, with both nations expressing a desire for continued cooperation during Latvia’s term. Latvia’s Foreign Minister,Braze,extended an invitation to her Lithuanian counterpart,Budris,to attend the 31st meeting of the Baltic Council Foreign Ministers,scheduled for November 14th in Latvia.
A key focus of the meeting was the ongoing threat posed by Russia. Braze emphasized Russia’s active probing for vulnerabilities and its continued targeting of critical civilian and logistical infrastructure, asserting that Russia’s ultimate goal remains fracturing European unity and diminishing support for Ukraine.
Both ministers underscored the importance of close cooperation in bolstering regional security and defense, countering Russia’s hybrid tactics, safeguarding critical infrastructure and airspace, and curbing the influence of Russia’s “shadow fleet.” They agreed on the necessity of continued collaboration with key allies, including Great Britain, Canada, and the United States, in maintaining and strengthening sanctions against Russia.
Latvia expressed its satisfaction with the NATO ”East Guard” mission, viewing it as a powerful demonstration of NATO’s solidarity and commitment to protecting Baltic airspace.
Beyond security, the ministers acknowledged Lithuania’s position as Latvia’s largest trade partner and third-largest investor. Both countries are committed to expanding cooperation in key sectors including facts and interaction technologies, the defense industry, and energy. They also celebrated their joint success at the Baltic Pavilion exhibition for Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
Following the bilateral meeting, Braze engaged in discussions with Manfred Weber, Chairman of the European People’s Party Group, focusing on broader challenges to European security.
