Foto: BB.LV / Браже
As reported to LETA by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the focus of the visit was on strengthening NATO's eastern flank and air defense, further support for Ukraine, and increasing pressure on Russia. Security in the Middle East and transatlantic cooperation were also discussed. In Brunssum, Braže met with the Commander of NATO's Joint Forces, General Ingo Gerhartz. The Minister emphasized the need to strengthen Latvia's eastern border and enhance air defense capabilities. She also thanked the Netherlands for its contribution to the security of the alliance's eastern flank, including the participation of the German-Dutch Corps in the tactical command of NATO ground forces in Latvia and Estonia, and highlighted the role of the United States and Canada in strengthening the security of the Baltic states. Additionally, Braže participated in an informal meeting of foreign ministers organized by the heads of the foreign ministries of the Netherlands and Germany, Tom Berendsen and Johann Wadephul. Discussing Russia's war against Ukraine, the minister called for continued comprehensive support for Kyiv, with particular attention to the resilience of energy infrastructure and air defense ahead of winter. She also advocated for increased sanctions pressure on Russia and preventing its participation in international sports and cultural events. During the discussion on the situation in the Middle East, the ministers addressed efforts to resolve the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and to end the conflict in Gaza. Braže confirmed support for a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-state principle. The role of the United States in European security and a new format for strategic partnership between the EU and Canada were also discussed. Braže emphasized that the United States and close transatlantic cooperation remain an indispensable foundation for Europe's security.
