NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

11/29/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/29/2021 10:48

Joint press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the President of Latvia, Egils Levits

President Levits,

It's a great pleasure to meet with you here in Riga.

I have just visited the NATO battlegroup in Ādaži.
Where 10 Allies serve alongside Latvian forces, to deter aggression and preserve peace.
I am impressed by the professionalism and dedication of our armed forces.

And I want to thank Latvia for hosting a multinational battlegroup.
One of four in this region.

These forces send a clear message.
An attack against one Ally is an attack on all Allies.

And they show the continuing strength of the transatlantic bond, with Canada leading the battlegroup here in Latvia.

NATO's presence in the region prevents conflict and preserves peace.
Allied jets also keep your skies safe.
And Allied ships keep the Baltic Sea secure.

So NATO stands with Latvia.
And Latvia stands with NATO.

You make important contributions to our shared security.

You lead by example on defence spending, committing more than 2% of GDP to defence and investing in major equipment.

You contribute actively to regional exercises, ensuring our forces are well trained and well prepared.

And you provide expertise on countering disinformation through your Centre of Excellence here in Riga.

I want to thank Latvia for hosting the upcoming meetings of the NATO Foreign Ministers.

This week, Allies will address important security challenges, from Russia's military build-up in and around Ukraine to the situation on your border with Belarus.

NATO stands in solidarity with you, Lithuania and Poland.

The Lukashenko regime's exploitation of migrants is cynical and damaging to regional stability.

We remain vigilant, and stand ready to help Allies.

We are also monitoring the situation at the border of Ukraine with concern.

This is the second time this year that Russia has amassed large and unusual concentration of forces in this region.

We see heavy weapons, artillery, armored units, drones and electronic warfare systems.
And tens of thousands of combat ready troops.

This military build-up is unprovoked and unexplained.
It raises tensions.
And risks miscalculation.

Any future Russian aggression against Ukraine would come at a high price. And have serious political and economic consequences for Russia.

Russia must show transparency.
Reduce tensions and de-escalate.

NATO's approach to Russia remains consistent.
We keep our defence and deterrence strong, while remaining open for dialogue with Russia.

So Mr. President, I look forward to working with you closely as we make our strong Alliance even stronger.

Thank you.