Today, after a closed government meeting that discussed France's request to remove Friedman and Usmanov from the EU sanctions list, Andris Kulbergs stated: "I have been in active communication with the President of France about closer cooperation between Latvia and France in the field of security and defense. President Macron agreed to start negotiations with Latvia on our country's joining France's 'forward Nuclear Deterrence Initiative,' and a French delegation will arrive in Latvia soon to initiate these negotiations. President Macron also expressed his intention to strengthen France's military presence in Latvia, especially in the area of air defense. Such a commitment will enhance the security not only of Latvia but of the entire eastern flank of NATO," noted Andris Kulbergs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense have been tasked with preparing Latvia's position, a specific model of cooperation, and a schedule for further negotiations regarding Latvia's participation in the French nuclear deterrence initiative and the strengthening of France's military presence in Latvia.
