In its statement of Thursday, 5 February, the Saeima emphasized its commitment to strengthening and deepening cooperation with the United States of America and Canada in the fields of security, economy, and technology. The Members of Parliament also expressed their commitment to promoting joint efforts in strengthening NATO as the fundamental guarantor of transatlantic security and defence. The statement also underscores that the United States is Latvia’s main strategic ally and partner, whose cooperation is indispensable for strengthening Latvia’s national security.
Based on close political dialogue, military cooperation, and joint participation in NATO, the United States contributes substantially to the development of Latvia’s defence capabilities, the provision of deterrence capacity, and the stability of regional security, the statement notes.
The statement also emphasises the invaluable importance of the U.S. rotational military presence in Latvia, which provides a substantial contribution to the security of Latvia and the Baltic region. The Members of the Parliament also stressed that they highly value Canada’s political, military, and economic presence in Latvia, and expressed their gratitude to Canada for leading NATO’s multinational brigade in Latvia, for strengthening its military presence, and for its continuous investments in infrastructure.
Excellent cooperation between the Members of the Saeima and the Members of the U.S. Congress and the House of Commons of Canada within the framework of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly is emphasised in the adopted statement. Latvia also highly values the assurances expressed by the United States and Canada regarding support for the Baltic States and the security of the region, the statement says.
The MPs highlighted the significant contribution of the United States of America to the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, and they also deeply appreciate the progress achieved by the United States in the Middle East Peace Process and the release of all hostages taken by Hamas. The statement also notes that, thanks to the leadership and firm demand of the President of the United States Donald Trump, a historic decision was adopted at the NATO Summit in The Hague on 25 June 2025 to gradually increase defence spending to five percent of GDP by 2035, which will significantly strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence capabilities.
The statement emphasises that the body of international law and the principles of the indivisibility of the state, territorial integrity, and sovereignty are essential for ensuring peace and stability, preventing wars and conflicts, and ensuring peace throughout the world. Latvia highly values the close cooperation of the President of the United States Donald Trump, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, and the leaders of the European Union member states in their joint efforts to achieve a just and sustainable peace and provide security guarantees for a sovereign Ukraine.
The statement highlights Latvia’s determination to work together with allies and partners to continue supporting Ukraine’s heroic resistance, as well as to provide political and practical support on its path toward membership in the European Union and further Euro-Atlantic integration.
The MPs in their statement noted the significant contribution of the United States of America to the non-recognition of Latvia’s occupation and the restoration of independence, and international recognition of Latvia, including its role in the withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Latvia, which was an important step towards the full restoration of Latvia’s sovereignty. Latvia highly appreciates the support of the United States during Latvia’s accession to NATO and the fact that this historic decision became a cornerstone of Latvia’s security policy.
Saeima Press Service