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On 1 July 2025, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andžejs Viļumsons met with a delegation of U.S. congressional staffers visiting the Baltic countries. The officials discussed bilateral cooperation between Latvia and the United States, including economic and defence matters, the regional security situation, and current global geopolitical challenges, especially Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
The State Secretary highlighted the importance of the close strategic partnership between Latvia and the United States and expressed appreciation for the unwavering U.S. support for the security of Latvia and the Baltic countries. In addition to strong cooperation in the field of security, Andžejs Viļumsons noted that Latvia is keen to deepen its economic dialogue with the United States, particularly in the defence industry, technology, and energy sectors.
The delegation also met with Under-Secretary of State - Political Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ivars Lasis, with whom they discussed the key priorities of Latvian–U.S. cooperation, especially in the areas of defence and security.
During a meeting with the National Security Adviser to the President, Ilze Milta, and Foreign Affairs Adviser Edvīns Severs, current security issues were discussed, particularly the outcomes of the NATO Summit in The Hague and Latvia’s role in regional defence.
With Jānis Sārts, Director of the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence, the delegation discussed matters concerning strategic communication and the protection of the information space.
The delegation also visited the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia.
During the visit, the delegation also plans to visit the unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturing company “Edge Autonomy” and the Ādaži military base to meet with U.S. troops stationed in Latvia. Meetings are also scheduled with officials from the Saeima (Parliament), the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Ministry of Defence.
As part of their trip to the Baltic countries, the delegation of U.S. Congressional Staff are in Latvia from 1 to 3 July.