Soldiers of one of the best armies of the world have arrived in Latvia. This act of support proves to Latvia that NATO remains true to its word and that Latvia is an important NATO partner, said Latvian Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma at Ādaži military base this Friday.

In her speech, Straujuma mentioned that the arrival of U.S. troops shows unity of NATO partner states in a time when a complicated situation is brewing between Russia and Ukraine. Today Latvia feels positive about the decision it made ten years ago on joining NATO.

Latvia’s Prime Minister thanked all NATO member states, including USA, for helping increase security in the region.

Defence minister Raimonds Vejonis also expressed his gratitude for support and NATO’s lasting presence and contribution to cooperation between countries. The minister also said the presence of American soldiers in Latvia is also a plus for Latvian soldiers.

In his speech, the minister confirmed that Latvia sees USA as a strategic partner and ally in security matters in the Baltic region. Cooperation between the two countries is currently noted in a number of different project. The arrival of American soldiers opens a new chapter in bilateral relations between these two countries. Bilateral military exercises will help American and Latvian soldiers improve their readiness and gain valuable experience to face possible security challenges in the future, said Vejonis.

U.S. ambassador to Latvia Mark Pekala noted that Latvian and American soldiers have been standing side-by-side for several years – serving together in Afghanistan and Iraq. He also mentioned cooperation between armies of the two countries in the military exercises in Liberia, Michigan and Latvia.

The arrival of American soldiers in Latvia means further strengthening of relations and friendship. The deployment of additional troops in Latvia is a very important decision to ensure freedom and peace in the Baltic region, said the U.S. ambassador.

Commander of Latvia’s National Armed Forces Raimonds Graube expressed joy for the quickness of response and overall activity of soldiers. The latter did not, however, surprise him all that much. Soldiers have already proven their ability to cooperate with each other in many projects in the past. The presence of American troops will increase Latvia’s readiness and overall professionalism of the country’s army and level of the country’s defence.

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