Preparations for the NATO Summit in The Hague (24–26 June), contributions to security of Latvia and the Alliance, defence procurement, the United States military presence in Latvia – those were the main topic that the Minister of Foreign Affairs Baiba Braže discussed with the United States Ambassador to NATO Matthew G. Whitaker.
The U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker welcomed Latvia’s investment in defence. He emphasized that the U.S. sees Latvia as a model ally that treats its defence with responsibility and guards NATO’s eastern border.
The officials shared the opinion that, at the upcoming NATO summit, it is important to agree on further increases in defence spending, as the Alliance needs to become stronger, more modern and more capable of action in line with the geopolitical reality of the moment. It is also necessary to ensure a fair burden sharing, with all member states moving towards spending 5% of their GDP on defence.
The Ambassador noted that Latvia has already done a lot to strengthen its own, and the collective capabilities of the Alliance, and all the Allies are expected to act in the same way so as to guarantee security to the one billion of the Alliance’s citizens.
Matthew Whitaker said he was happy to be in Latvia and meet the Allies, including U.S. soldiers. He pointed out that in Latvia, there is not only an understanding of the security situation, threats and the need to provide for its own protection, but also an amazing energy and attitude.
Matthew Whitaker commended Latvia’s commitment to investing 5% of GDP in its defence.
“Latvia takes its security and defence very seriously: in 2025, it has earmarked the highest amount of funding for defence in the country’s history – more than EUR 1.5 billion, or 3.65% of GDP, and has decided to increase it to 5% from 2026 onwards. We have a common understanding of and interest in strengthening defence cooperation and building a stronger and safer alliance,” Baiba Braže underlined.
Baiba Braže also thanked Ambassador Whitaker for the U.S. military support to Latvia: “Military support provided by the U.S. has been, and will remain vital for strengthening Latvia’s defence capabilities, and the presence of the U.S. troops in the Baltic region is essential for Latvia’s security in the long term.”
Baiba Braže reaffirmed Latvia’s continued interest in procuring from the U.S. military industry in order to further develop critical capabilities. The Minister also called on the U.S. defence contractors to deepen cooperation with Latvian businesses, and she stressed that Latvia can provide unique capabilities, including in the use of UAVs, 5G/6G and artificial intelligence technologies for military purposes.
At Ādaži Military Base, Matthew Whitaker met the Minister of Defence of Latvia, Andris Sprūds, the Chief of Defence Kaspars Pudāns, and the personnel the U.S. forces and the NATO Multinational Brigade. There are currently 500 U.S. troops stationed in Latvia.
From June 5 to 20, Latvia is hosting the BALTOPS military exercise with the participation of the U.S. troops. This is an annual NATO exercise in the Baltic Sea region featuring tactical operations at sea, on land, in the air, cyberspace and space.
On 14 June, the Commemoration Day for the Victims of Communist Genocide, Matthew Whitaker, together with Foreign Minister Baiba Braže, laid flowers at the Freedom Monument and visited the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia.
The United States Ambassador to NATO Matthew G. Whitaker is visiting Latvia on 14 and 15 June 2025 on the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Baiba Braže.
