During the working visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, to the United States, which took place from 2 to 5 July 2026, the main topics were strengthening the strategic partnership between Latvia and the US, preparations for the NATO Summit in Ankara and support for Ukraine. In Michigan, the Minister met with US officials and members of the Latvian diaspora, while also participating in celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of US independence and the XVI Latvian Song and Dance Festival in the US.
During the visit, the Minister met with US Senator Elissa Slotkin to discuss strengthening transatlantic cooperation, the security situation in the Baltic region, the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara and support for Ukraine. During the conversation, emphasis was placed on the importance of the US military presence in the Baltics, joint efforts to strengthen NATO’s deterrence capabilities and the crucial role of the Baltic Security Initiative in developing the region’s defence capabilities. Senator Slotkin commended Latvia’s achievements, emphasising that Latvia is a model ally, including by investing 5% of its GDP in defence, and reaffirmed the US Congress’s strong support for Baltic security.
During her meeting with Major General Paul D. Rogers, Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard, the Minister highlighted the excellent cooperation with the National Guard under his command, which has been one of the closest and most reliable partners of the Latvian National Armed Forces for more than 30 years. Both officials expressed satisfaction with the extensive practical cooperation, particularly the joint military exercises and work on developing the Sēlija military training area, and discussed opportunities for expanding cooperation, including the development of drone capabilities.
During her visit, the minister also took part in events marking the 250th anniversary of US independence, congratulating the US on this historically significant milestone and reaffirming the long-standing strategic partnership between Latvia and the US, their shared democratic values and their close cooperation as allies.
The Minister also took part in the events of the XVI Latvian Song and Dance Festival in the US in Grand Rapids, emphasising the importance of culture and traditions in preserving Latvia’s identity and passing it on to future generations. During the Song Festival, the minister met with the leadership of the World Federation of Free Latvians, the American Latvian Association, and other Latvian diaspora organisations to discuss future cooperation in advancing Latvia’s interests and strengthening relations between Latvia and the US. The Minister also participated in support events organised by the University of Latvia Foundation and the Foundation of the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia.
A meeting with members of the Latvian diaspora also took place, during which the Minister highlighted their significant contribution to Latvia’s development, cooperation in the fields of education and culture and the diaspora’s role in promoting Latvia internationally. Baiba Braže expressed her gratitude to members of the Latvian diaspora, partners and supporters for their contributions to Latvia’s development and to strengthening relations between Latvia and the US.
