United States-Latvia collaboration viewed favorably by Latvia: Braze's take
Rewritten Article:
RIGA — Latvia's connections with the United States are robust, and the cooperative action plan continues to be optimistic, as stated by Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze in a recent interview on Latvian Television.
Speaking about the recent gathering of the Baltic foreign ministers with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Braze expressed that the US side was eager to grasp our perspective on the situation in the region. The meeting pinpointed priorities in the realm of security.
The US side also showed interest in ensuring that the European Union does not exclude them from military acquisitions. Moreover, there's a focus on the energy sector, but Latvia emphasizes in these conversations that cost and long-term supplies are crucial considerations for us, with these being decisions based on financial advantages.
When assessed about the changes in Latvia-US relations under Donald Trump's presidency, Braze stated that the new US administration "appreciates us for being loyal allies."
Regarding Russia's conflict with Ukraine and the peace negotiations initiated by Trump, the Latvian politician said that peace will eventually arrive, but it's still uncertain what it will resemble. For now, she declined to speculate about the possible future scenarios of the peace talks.
Braze underscored that Latvia is keen on the process being accompanied by limiting Russia's abilities through the preservation of sanctions. In Ukraine, on the other hand, there should be a withdrawal of troops from the contact line, and the respect for peace and peace conditions should not weaken Ukraine's military capabilities.
In the minister's opinion, Russia has yet to demonstrate any genuine interest in an enduring peace, so she believes that the US will be compelled to "implement certain measures" at some point to assist in achieving peace.
Latvia's relations with the United States have been intensifying across several strategic areas, with security cooperation taking the lead, followed by growing ties in defense industries and energy. Recent developments show a deepening military integration, as evidenced by the April 2025 "Message Follows" exhibit at the Latvian War Museum, highlighting 32 years of US-Latvia collaboration, which includes joint deployments to Afghanistan[3].
Additionally, a U.S. Congressional Staff delegation visited Latvia (15–18 April 2025) to discuss defense priorities, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and NATO’s eastern flank security. Meetings included discussions at Ādaži Military Base with U.S. troops stationed there[2]. Latvia is striving to meet the NATO’s 5% GDP defense spending target, as advocated by the US, with ongoing investments in capabilities like the Joint Terminal Attack Controller program[1][3].
Collaboration has expanded beyond traditional security frameworks. For instance, Latvia’s LMT mobile operator is working with the National Armed Forces on defense-tech solutions, a sector highlighted during the Congressional delegation’s visit[2]. The Michigan-Latvia alliance, operational since 1993, remains vital in areas such as medical and engineer training, with potential for broader EU-U.S. defense industrial cooperation[3].
Economic collaboration is increasingly emphasizing energy security. For example, Latvia's embassy in the U.S. has prioritized energy partnerships, as noted during an April 2025 meeting of honorary consuls, who were urged to accelerate bilateral economic projects that strengthen energy resilience[5]. U.S. and Latvian officials have reiterated commitments to deepen ties in energy technology, mirroring shared interests in reducing regional dependencies[2][5].
Recent high-level engagements, including a U.S. presidential commendation for strengthened defense cooperation[4], underscore sustained alignment on transatlantic security and economic priorities.
- Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze emphasized the importance of energy sector discussions during the meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighting cost and long-term supplies as key considerations for Latvia.
- In the realm of politics, US Senator Marco Rubio showed interest in maintaining the European Union's inclusivity of the United States in military acquisitions, as reported by Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze.
- Regarding the peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, Latvian politician Baiba Braze expressed uncertainty about the future, while advocating for the preservation of sanctions against Russia to limit their abilities.
- Senator Marco Rubio and Latvia have been working towards deepening ties in energy technology, following a meeting with Latvian officials that underscored shared interests in reducing regional dependencies in the energy sector.
