In Michigan, the minister met with U.S. officials and the Latvian diaspora while also participating in events celebrating the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and the XVI General Latvian Song and Dance Festival in the USA. During the visit, the minister met with U.S. Congress Senator Elissa Slotkin to discuss strengthening transatlantic cooperation, the security situation in the Baltic region, the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, and support for Ukraine. The importance of U.S. military presence in the Baltic states, joint efforts to enhance NATO's deterrence capabilities, and the significant role of the Baltic Security Initiative in developing the region's defense capabilities were emphasized during the conversation. Slotkin praised Latvia's achievements, highlighting that Latvia is an exemplary ally, including investing 5% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in defense, and assured that the U.S. Congress strongly supports the security of the Baltic states. During a meeting with Major General Paul Rogers, the commander of the Michigan National Guard, the minister emphasized cooperation with the guard he leads, which has been one of the closest and most reliable partners of the National Armed Forces of Latvia for over 30 years. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the broad practical cooperation, especially joint military exercises and the work on creating the Ādaži military range, and discussed expanding cooperation, including the development of drone capabilities.