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The Czech Republic’s contribution to the security of Latvia and NATO’s Eastern Flank, support for Ukraine and containment of Russia, the deterrence and defence capabilities of the EU and NATO, as well as bilateral cooperation in security and the economy – these were the main topics discussed by Foreign Minister Baiba Braže during her working visit to the Czech Republic on 3–4 July, 2025. She met with the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavský, Minister for European Affairs Martin Dvořák, and Commander of the Czech Armed Forces Karel Řehka. The Minister also met with Petr Novotný, CEO of Škoda Group, as well as with academic staff and students of Latvian language studies at Czech universities.
Foreign Minister Baiba Braže stated: “The Czech Republic is a close and reliable ally of Latvia. We highly value its readiness to ensure its military presence within the NATO brigade in Ādaži and its involvement in the defence of Baltic airspace. Together, we are providing practical support to Ukraine, including through the Latvia-led Drone Coalition and the Czech Munitions Initiative.
Russia continues to employ unconventional means of attack – hybrid threats, cyberattacks, pressure at borders, and acts of sabotage. Therefore, supporting Ukraine and weakening Russia’s capabilities is not only strategically necessary but also the most cost-effective way to strengthen Euro-Atlantic security.”
SECURITY
In talks with Czech officials, the results of the NATO summit in The Hague were positively assessed – notably the historic agreement on allocating 5% of national GDP to defence, the reaffirmed commitment to Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, and ongoing military support for Ukraine.
The ministers agreed that Europe must continue the rapid development of its defence industry, which also holds significant economic potential by creating jobs and fostering innovation. They discussed the need to strengthen the EU’s Eastern border, the EU enlargement process, and both countries’ priorities in the upcoming EU Multiannual Financial Framework.
ECONOMY
Both countries expressed interest in deepening economic cooperation, particularly in high value-added goods, tourism, and the space exploration industry.
In her meeting with Škoda Group CEO Petr Novotný, Minister Braže discussed opportunities to enhance cooperation in the transport sector. Regular flights and growing interest in Riga as a destination are creating new opportunities for tourism and broader economic collaboration.
PEOPLE
The Minister met with lecturers and students at Charles University in Prague and Masaryk University in Brno. Currently, more than 20 students are studying the Latvian language in the Czech Republic. Latvia and the Czech Republic enjoy active cooperation in the fields of culture and education.
Baiba Braže also gave interviews to Czech media outlets Novinky.cz, iRozhlas.cz, and Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty.