Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, Deputy Speaker of the Saeima, met with U.S. Republican Congressman Andrew Harris to discuss the continuation of the Baltic Security Initiative, the importance of the U.S. military presence for the security of NATO’s eastern flank, as well as the war in Ukraine, focusing on the return of abducted and deported Ukrainian children. Also present at the meeting was Saeima Secretary Edvards Smiltēns and Liene Dambiņa, Chair of the Children’s Hospital Foundation. Congressman Harris is in Latvia this week as part of a visit organised by the Saeima. 

“U.S. military presence in Latvia, together with our own commitment to ensuring adequate investment in defence in line with the highest NATO standards, is a cornerstone of our security, alongside NATO defence plans and the presence of a multinational brigade. The presence of U.S. forces carries significant practical and symbolic meaning,” said Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica.

“Today, security can no longer be taken for granted—it requires both our own responsibility and action, as well as the constant involvement of our allies. A shared understanding and approach are crucial,” she underlined.

Meeting attendees highlighted the importance of continuing international efforts to end the war and achieve a just peace in Ukraine, which will have a significant impact on the future security of both Ukraine and the Baltic region.

Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica drew particular attention to the issue of abducted Ukrainian children: “In order for the Russian-abducted Ukrainian children to be returned to their families, it is crucial that we continue to call attention to this issue at the very highest level. The discussion also highlighted the plight of those Ukrainian children who have reached adulthood during the war and are often being sent to fight in the aggressor’s army. Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica emphasised that every Ukrainian child must be brought home, regardless of Russia’s irrational counter-arguments. Latvia has long been raising this issue in the international arena.

Liene Dambiņa, Chair of the Children’s Hospital Foundation, who works with her team to organise support camps in Latvia for Ukrainian children affected by the war, highlighted the impact of war trauma on children and youths, and Latvia’s commitment to continue providing support and rehabilitation.

At the Monument of Freedom, the officials observed a low flyover of a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bomber accompanied by allied fighter aircraft—a clear demonstration of U.S. engagement and capability in maintaining security in the Baltic region and across NATO’s eastern flank. Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica highlighted the considerable symbolic significance of this flyover.

Deputy Speaker Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica previously met Congressman Harris in the United States in May this year, and an invitation to visit Latvia was extended during this meeting.

Since 2024, Andrew Harris has served as Chair of the House Freedom Caucus—an influential conservative wing of the U.S. Congress, and is a member of both the House Baltic Caucus and the Budget Subcommittee, which determines budget allocations, including support for the Baltic Security Initiative. For this reason, Congressman Harris’s visit to Latvia with his in-depth understanding of the situation in the Baltic region is crucial for future cooperation.

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Saeima Press Service