Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže:
Latvia highly appreciates the strong support of both parties in the US Senate for the decision to continue military aid funding to the Baltic states. The inclusion of the Baltic Security Initiative in the US National Defense Authorization Act is a significant achievement in defending the security interests of Latvia and the Baltic states.
The US House of Representatives supported the bill on 10 December, with 312 of 435 congressmen voting in favour.
It is expected that US President Donald Trump will sign the US National Defense Authorization Act in the near future.
This decision once again confirms the shared understanding and interest of our strategic ally, the United States, and the Baltic states in strengthening defence cooperation and building a stronger and more secure NATO alliance. The Baltic Security Initiative and the Foreign Military Financing program enable Latvia to accelerate the strengthening of its land forces and develop critical capabilities such as the creation of a layered air defence system through the acquisition of modern military equipment from the United States.
The Baltic states have proven themselves to be reliable allies of the United States. Latvia will invest up to 5% of its GDP in defence in 2026. Since taking office, I have made eight working visits to the US. Latvia and the US share a common stance that all European allies must invest more in their defence by rapidly implementing the decisions of the NATO Hague Summit."