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On 8 October 2026, in Riga, Minister of Foreign Affairs Baiba Braže met with Lou Correa, Member of the US House of Representatives, as well as a delegation of US Congressional advisers. The talks focused on increasing the US military presence and investment in Latvia, cooperation on new technologies, border security and the fight against illegal migration, as well as support for Ukraine.
The Minister thanked the US Congress for its longstanding support for the security of Latvia and the Baltic states, highlighting in particular the importance of the Baltic Security Initiative in strengthening the region’s defence capabilities.
Baiba Braže emphasised that US engagement in European security and a strong transatlantic partnership are essential prerequisites for a strong NATO. A greater US military presence in Latvia makes a practical contribution to the security of the entire region, whilst also strengthening US military readiness and technological capabilities.
The officials discussed the security situation in the Baltic region, including hybrid threats posed by Russia and Belarus, the strengthening of Latvia’s eastern border, the fight against illegal migration and its instrumentalisation, as well as the need to counter military cooperation between Russia and Iran.
The Minister stressed the need to maintain long-term military, political and economic support for Ukraine, whilst at the same time increasing sanctions pressure on Russia in order to achieve a just and lasting peace.
The discussions also covered economic cooperation between Latvia and the US, with particular focus on energy, artificial intelligence, drones and other dual-use technologies, the defence industry and attracting investment. Baiba Braže highlighted Latvia’s potential in the fields of innovation, research and technology development, particularly in the defence sector.
The Minister welcomed the opportunities offered by the State of California, represented by the Congressman, to strengthen cooperation between Latvia and the US in the fields of technology, innovation and investment.
The delegation of US Congressional advisers is visiting Latvia from 7 to 10 October. Regular visits by US Congressional delegations promote understanding of the security situation in the Baltic region and strengthen the dialogue between Latvia and the US on security, economic and innovation issues.
The agenda for the visit includes meetings with government officials, representatives of the Saeima and experts in the fields of security and defence, research and academia, as well as visits to innovative companies and military facilities.
