Security and defense issues became the main topic of discussions between Latvia's Foreign Minister Baiba Braže and NATO Secretary General's assistants on Thursday in Riga.
Negotiations took place shortly before the NATO summit scheduled in Turkey.
One of the reasons for holding the meeting right now was the drone incursions into Latvia's airspace. In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before the negotiations began, it was emphasized that special attention would be given to strengthening support to enhance Latvia's capabilities in air defense and counter-drone operations.
When asked whether the alliance is already reviewing its actions to strengthen security in the region in light of recent drone incursions, NATO representatives responded that they are closely monitoring Russia's actions and are adapting measures accordingly based on threat assessments.
NATO Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence and Security Scott Bray noted that the recent actions of a French fighter jet, which shot down a foreign drone that had invaded Latvia's airspace, are an example of the alliance protecting the territory of its allies.
"We undoubtedly see that Russia is the most direct and tangible short-term and long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security. We see this not only from Russia's military activity and its military investments but also from the reckless actions we observe in connection with drone activity, mainly due to the creation of disturbances. This also poses a threat to civil aviation. We are closely monitoring the situation to ensure a complete intelligence picture," Bray stated.
For his part, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Defense Policy and Planning Nikos Katsaras emphasized that a strong delegation has arrived in Latvia, which indicates the alliance's serious approach to the situation in the country and its readiness to listen to its position and security needs. Speaking about the need to increase NATO assistance on Latvia's eastern border, Katsaras confirmed that the alliance takes this issue very seriously, writes the portal lsm.lv.
