January 31, 2018 – Ottawa, Canada – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Building upon the presence since 2017 of 455 Canadian troops in Latvia and previous bilateral meetings, Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan met today with Latvian Minister of Defence Raimonds Bergmanis to discuss a range of defence and security priorities. At their meeting, Minister Sajjan reiterated that while Canada does not see Russia as an imminent military threat to NATO, Canada believes that the Alliance must closely monitor Russia’s military activities, particularly in the light of Russia’s aggressive language and behaviour.

Latvian Minister of Defence Bergmanis stated that the NATO enhanced Forward Presence is a clear demonstration of Allied solidarity and determination to defend Latvia’s population and territory against any possible aggression. Bergmanis stressed the successful cooperation between the battlegroup and the Latvian National Armed Forces, training together shoulder to shoulder to improve their ability to operate together seamlessly.

Minister Sajjan and Minister Bergmanis also reaffirmed their interest in furthering bilateral defence cooperation such as training and sharing of expertise. Minister Bergmanis outlined plans for the enhancement of military infrastructure in Latvia which will benefit not only the Latvian Armed Forces but NATO troops in Latvia as well.

The two defence leaders exchanged views on deterrence and the Summit of NATO Leaders to be held in Brussels in July 2018, with Minister Sajjan noting the importance of strengthening NATO’s defensive capabilities while at the same time emphasizing the role of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving international issues.

Canada and Latvia are fully committed to NATO as the cornerstone of our defence and security relationship.

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Contacts

Byrne Furlong

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Office of the Minister of National Defence

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Email: byrne.furlong@forces.gc.ca

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