The responsibility for Latvia lies with the people of Latvia, and we as its part - Braže

In her speech, she quoted Zenta Mauriņa: "We only own as much as we can earn with our hands, build with our spirit, invent with our minds. (...) We are lost if we wait for someone else to elevate us, recognize us, strengthen us, protect us, and admire us."

The minister emphasized that these words of Mauriņa are particularly relevant now: "In times when there are concerns that the world is collapsing," said Braže. At the same time, she added that in reality, the world is not collapsing.

"Unjustified expectations are collapsing: that our democracy, security, and prosperity will be more important to someone else than to ourselves; that the security of Europe will be the responsibility of only the USA; that Russia will provide us with cheap oil and gas; or that economic growth will be guaranteed by the Chinese market and technologies. No, the responsibility for Latvia lies with the people of Latvia, and we as its part. And nothing is more important than our security," emphasized Braže.

She pointed out that Latvia's task is clear — to invest in defense and defense capability.

"5% [of GDP for defense] is a decision to strengthen our borders and internal security, enhance the presence of allies, maintain strong transatlantic relations with both Canada and the USA, continue to support Ukraine, weaken Russia, and cooperate with like-minded and peace-loving countries around the world," stated the minister.

Braže emphasized that foreign policy is Latvia's shield. "A shield to maintain peace, ensure development, and care for our people around the world," she said.

At the same time, the minister urged not to lose sight of the "big picture": "Not everything is so bad. Last year, there were good events in the world." According to her, the situation in the Middle East has become more stable than a year ago; Hamas and Hezbollah are weakened; Iran's nuclear program is temporarily suspended; the people of Venezuela rejoice in freedom from a dictator, and a historic reconciliation has been achieved between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus. Syria, Venezuela, Iran — allies of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin — have either fallen or weakened, noted Braže.

According to the minister, President Donald Trump played an important role in this.

She also expressed gratitude to all of Latvia's partners who act, support Ukraine, impose sanctions against Russia, and cooperate on the international stage to uphold the principles of international law and order.

The minister emphasized: Ukraine exists, will exist, and will remain a living and free democracy. At the same time, she acknowledged that, unfortunately, the peace in Ukraine may not be just. Nevertheless, according to her, negotiators, leaders of Ukraine, the USA, and Europe strive to ensure a sustainable peace and security guarantees for Ukraine.

"Of course, with the support of the Saeima and political unity, we believe that we should participate in these processes because the outcome of the war in Ukraine will affect the security of all of Europe and the world," explained Braže.

In her speech, the minister also mentioned the upcoming elections to the Saeima, pointing out that in an election year, all state parties must be especially vigilant. "We must protect the elections as one of the foundations of democratic Latvian statehood," emphasized Braže, adding that Russia's behavior indicates that it will intensify non-military attempts to intimidate and divide society.

She reminded that everyone witnessed Russia's attempt to steal the elections in Moldova through intimidation, disinformation, cryptocurrencies, and corruption schemes.

"The example of Moldova shows that democracy can defend itself against external interference. I have no doubt that Latvia can do this too," said the minister.

Braže emphasized that this year we witnessed an attempt to tear Latvia from the European core, but we stood firm. She noted that we should not be pitted against each other, as in Latvia we have much more in common than differences.

According to her, last year Latvia's foreign service worked on three main areas: the security and defense of Latvia, economic growth and prosperity, engaging society in foreign policy, and supporting the diaspora.

"Security is the foundation of everything. Without security, there is no prosperity. Without security, there is no development. Without security, children will not be born in Latvia. New investors will not come. Therefore, Latvia acts, not just talks," stated Braže.

She emphasized that Latvia is one of the leading NATO countries, allocating 5% of GDP for defense, thereby implementing the decisions of the NATO summit in The Hague. In addition, she noted that cooperation among the Baltic Sea countries, including the Baltic states, Scandinavia, Poland, and Germany, has become even closer.

The minister emphasized that transatlantic cooperation is one of the cornerstones of our security. "The political, military, and economic presence of the USA and Canada is important for the security and stability of Latvia and all of Europe, and we are grateful to Canada, which has strengthened its military presence in Latvia ahead of schedule and invests in our infrastructure," said Braže.

According to her, Latvia's goal is to deepen cooperation in the field of military industry and economy. Good results, she said, have been achieved through joint lobbying of Latvia's and the Baltic states' interests.

Latvia will continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation with the USA, promote understanding of issues important to Latvia within the American administration, Congress, and among entrepreneurs, promised the minister.

"We will work on specifying the negotiations started last year with the USA about expanding the military presence in Latvia. Yes, we are ready to accept more American forces," stated Braže.

She named the next step as the multiannual budget of the European Union. "This will be the first budget in which security is the main priority, the central task," she said. The minister promised to seek adequate funding for Latvia both within the cohesion policy and through direct payments to farmers.

Braže also emphasized that opportunities need to be sought and utilized constantly. "We are pleased that last year Latvian companies successfully participated in EU defense industry programs and projects. The European Commission supported nine projects submitted by our enterprises," she said.

In her speech to the Saeima deputies, the minister also touched upon the issue of EU enlargement, stating that it strengthens the security and prosperity of both Europe's neighbors and Latvia itself. According to her, the European Commission recognized that last year four countries — Ukraine, Moldova, Montenegro, and Albania — made significant progress. This aligns with our vision, added Braže. At the same time, she acknowledged that Latvia is disappointed that one country is blocking the opening of negotiations with Ukraine, despite the European Commission recognizing the fulfillment of all necessary conditions.

Support for Ukraine has been and will remain a constant priority for Latvia, emphasized the minister.

Latvia believes that sanctions should be imposed or strengthened against all who directly support Russia's aggression or help circumvent sanctions. "We will categorically oppose any attempts to weaken sanctions, including political pressure, intimidation, slander, and campaigns," promised Braže.

The minister reminded that on January 1, Latvia began its work in the UN Security Council for the first time in its history. This is the main diplomatic table in the world, stated Braže, adding that this is also a matter of security.

The economy Braže called the second key area of the foreign service's activities. She emphasized that each embassy works purposefully to attract additional revenues.

"I want to emphasize that, in our opinion, it is important for Latvia to open new embassies. South America, the Asia-Pacific region, the Gulf countries, and Africa are regions that interest our entrepreneurs, who need support in export, establishing contacts, and further work, especially considering the new EU trade agreements," said the minister.

In her speech, Braže also acknowledged that there has been much discussion on the topic of migration. The government's position is absolutely clear: no illegal migration. "The fence is completed, and I am grateful to the border guards, zemessargi, and other services for their selfless work 24/7, thanks to which more than 12,000 instrumentalized migrants did not enter Latvia," she noted.

The minister added that Latvia is ready to share its experience and knowledge with other European countries within the framework of the solidarity mechanism.

"But, as the Minister of the Interior has already emphasized, Latvia will not accept new migrants and pay for them. We will provide support and assistance to other countries," stated Braže.

Braže also mentioned the Latvian diaspora, emphasizing its economic potential. According to a study conducted in 2025 by the Center for Diaspora and Migration of the University of Latvia, the diaspora attracts about one billion euros to Latvia annually.

"But we want to bring our people back home. And we — both through embassies and here in Latvia — are working to help our compatriots maintain connections, return, and fully realize their talents and knowledge for the benefit of Latvia," emphasized the minister.