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From 17 to 19 April 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, was on a working visit to Türkiye, where she participated in the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum. The Minister addressed participants in the panel discussion titled “Securing Europe: Unity and Strategic Renewal towards NATO Ankara Summit”. Baiba Braže also met with several international partners – the foreign ministers of Ukraine, Türkiye and Jordan; the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania; the UN Special Representative on Violence against Children; and other officials.
Participants of the panel discussion exchanged views on preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara on 7–8 July, as well as discussed current Euro-Atlantic security issues and challenges. Baiba Braže stated: “Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has fundamentally changed Europe’s perception of threats. At the NATO Summit in Ankara, Allies must demonstrate significant progress in increasing defence spending.” The Minister emphasised that Latvia is already allocating 4.91% of GDP to defence this year, and, from next year onwards, at least 5%. “We expect other countries to follow this example and reach 5% of GDP well before 2035,” Baiba Braže noted.
During the discussion, Türkiye's significant role in strengthening security in the Euro-Atlantic area and the Black Sea region was also highlighted. The Minister emphasised the need to continue unwavering support for Ukraine, which is essential for the security of Europe as a whole. Last year, Latvia provided military aid to Ukraine amounting to 0.3% of GDP.
Joining the Minister in the panel discussion were Radmila Shekerinska, NATO Deputy Secretary General; Zeki Levent Gümrükçü; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye Zeki Levent Gümrükçü; as well as Kęstutis Budrys, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania. The discussion was moderated by Thomas Greminger, Executive Director of the Geneva Centre for Security Policy.
In a bilateral meeting with Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, Baiba Braže emphasised: “Türkiye is an important NATO Ally. We highly value Türkiye’s contribution to strengthening security in the Baltic region, including Türkiye’s participation in NATO Baltic Air Policing mission.” The ministers discussed the need to continue close coordination within NATO to strengthen the Alliance’s deterrence and defence capabilities. In the economic field, the ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation between the defence industries of both countries. The officials also discussed the current situation in the Middle East. Latvia appreciates Türkiye’s active participation in diplomatic efforts to achieve peace between the US and Iran.
During her first meeting with Ferit Hoxha, Albania’s new Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže highlighted Albania’s significant contribution to strengthening security in the Baltic region. The Albanian side expressed gratitude to Latvia for its support for the Western Balkans region and Albania’s progress towards integration into the European Union. The parties discussed opportunities to deepen bilateral relations and cooperation within NATO.
In a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Jordan, Ayman Safadi, Baiba Braže discussed the current situation in the Middle East. The meeting underscored support for international efforts to ensure access to the Strait of Hormuz and freedom of maritime navigation. The Minister expressed her gratitude to Jordan for its support of the UN resolution on achieving lasting peace in Ukraine, emphasising the importance of international unity in mitigating the consequences of Russian aggression.
During a meeting with the UN Special Representative on Violence against Children, Najat Maalla M’jid, it was emphasised that the abduction and deportation of 20,000 Ukrainian children by Russia constitutes one of the most serious war crimes committed by the aggressor. The officials discussed the next practical steps for identifying these children, ensuring their safe and swift return to Ukraine, as well as options for psychological rehabilitation.
During the visit, Baiba Braže also met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha; the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Kajsa Ollongren; and other officials.
The Antalya Diplomacy Forum has been organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye since 2021. Its main objective is to discuss global challenges, share insights, promote dialogue among nations, and seek common solutions. The main theme of this year’s Antalya Diplomacy Forum is “Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties”.
