Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže Strengthens Ties with the Netherlands During Key Visit
Table of Contents
- 1. Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže Strengthens Ties with the Netherlands During Key Visit
- 2. Strengthening Baltic Security and NATO Collaboration
- 3. preparing for the NATO Summit in The Hague
- 4. Signing a Landmark Agreement
- 5. addressing Geopolitical Challenges and Supporting Ukraine
- 6. EU Sanctions and Border Control
- 7. Engaging with the Latvian Diaspora and Media
- 8. Looking Ahead
- 9. How did the agreement on the exchange and protection of classified facts between Latvia and the Netherlands benefit both nations and the broader region?
On January 15, 2025, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže embarked on a notable working visit to the Netherlands, marking a pivotal moment in bilateral relations between the two nations. During her visit, Minister Braže met with her Dutch counterpart, Kaspars Veldkamp, to discuss pressing geopolitical issues, NATO cooperation, and shared strategies for regional security.
Strengthening Baltic Security and NATO Collaboration
One of the key highlights of the visit was the acknowledgment of the Netherlands’ critical role in ensuring the security of the Baltic region. Minister Braže expressed gratitude for the Dutch contingent’s participation in NATO’s Baltic airspace patrol mission, which operates on a rotational basis from the Estonian air force base in Emari. She also commended the Netherlands for its contributions to the NATO extended battle group in Lithuania and the expertise provided by Dutch professionals at the NATO Strategic Interaction Center of Excellence in Riga.
preparing for the NATO Summit in The Hague
The ministers also focused on preparations for the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, scheduled for June 24-26, 2025. A central topic of discussion was the approval of capability goals and steps for long-term deterrence against Russia as part of NATO’s Defense Planning process. This aligns with Latvia’s strategic priorities to bolster regional security and ensure a unified response to potential threats.
Signing a Landmark Agreement
In a significant move to enhance bilateral cooperation, Ministers Braže and Veldkamp signed an agreement on the exchange and protection of classified details between Latvia and the Netherlands. This agreement is expected to strengthen collaboration in security and defense,with Latvia’s National security Institution playing a key role in its implementation.
addressing Geopolitical Challenges and Supporting Ukraine
The discussions extended to broader geopolitical challenges, including comprehensive support for Ukraine and holding Russia accountable for its aggression. Minister Braže emphasized the importance of NATO members continuing military support for Ukraine and advancing efforts to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine under the Council of Europe. She also highlighted the need to expand sanctions against Russia,stating:
“We have a united position that NATO members must continue to provide military support to Ukraine and do everything possible to rein in Russia. We agree that Russia must be held accountable for its crimes of aggression and that we must move forward rapidly to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine within the framework of the Council of Europe. Also, our common interests are to strengthen and expand sanctions against Russia, including by denying access to Western technology, in order to reduce as much as possible Russian revenues and weaken its military capabilities that allow it to continue its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine.”
EU Sanctions and Border Control
Minister Braže also participated in a high-level conference organized by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, titled EU Sanctions Compliance: Best Practices Towards Effectiveness and Innovation. During her address, she underscored the importance of close cooperation between institutions and shared Latvia’s experience in enforcing sanctions, notably at the EU’s eastern border.Notably, 80% of cargo crossing the Russia-Belarus border originates from othre EU countries, highlighting the critical role of Latvian authorities in monitoring and controlling these shipments.
Engaging with the Latvian Diaspora and Media
Beyond official meetings, Minister Braže connected with the Latvian diaspora in the Netherlands, engaging with students and professionals at the Latvian Embassy. She also conducted interviews with prominent Dutch media outlets, including BNR Nieuwsradio, De Volkskrant, TVP world, and Politico, to discuss Latvia’s foreign policy priorities and the outcomes of her visit.
Looking Ahead
This visit underscores the deepening partnership between latvia and the Netherlands, particularly in addressing shared security challenges and advancing NATO’s strategic goals. As both nations prepare for the upcoming NATO summit, their collaboration serves as a testament to the strength of international alliances in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.
How did the agreement on the exchange and protection of classified facts between Latvia and the Netherlands benefit both nations and the broader region?
Interview with dr. Kaspars Veldkamp, Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs
Conducted by Archyde’s News Editor, January 15, 2025
Archyde: Minister Veldkamp, thank you for joining us today following your meeting with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba braže. This visit appears to be a pivotal moment in bilateral relations between the Netherlands and Latvia. Could you share your insights on the discussions and outcomes of this visit?
Minister Veldkamp: Certainly. Minister Braže and I had a productive dialog today, focusing on several key areas of mutual interest. The netherlands and Latvia share a commitment to regional security, especially in the Baltic region. We reaffirmed our dedication to NATO’s collaborative efforts, including the Baltic airspace patrol mission and our contributions to the NATO extended battle group in Lithuania. These initiatives are crucial for maintaining stability in the region.
Minister Braže expressed gratitude for the Dutch contingent’s role in the airspace patrol mission based in emari, Estonia. I emphasized that the netherlands remains steadfast in supporting our Baltic allies.Our professionals’ expertise at the NATO Strategic Interaction Center of Excellence in Riga is also a testament to our shared commitment to strengthening NATO’s strategic capabilities.
Archyde: One of the highlights of your discussions was the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, scheduled for June 24-26, 2025. What specific topics were addressed in preparation for this summit?
minister Veldkamp: The NATO summit in The Hague will be a critical gathering, and Latvia has been an active partner in shaping its agenda. Today, we focused on the approval of capability goals and steps for long-term deterrence against Russia as part of NATO’s Defense Planning process. This aligns with Latvia’s strategic priorities and our shared goal of bolstering regional security.
We also discussed the need for a unified response to potential threats,ensuring that NATO member states are prepared and coordinated.Latvia’s perspective is invaluable, given its geographic and geopolitical position, and we look forward to deepening our collaboration at the summit.
Archyde: Another notable progress during this visit was the signing of an agreement on the exchange and protection of classified information between Latvia and the Netherlands. What does this agreement signify for bilateral relations?
Minister Veldkamp: This agreement is a landmark step in enhancing our bilateral cooperation. It underscores the trust and mutual respect between our nations. The exchange and protection of classified information are essential for joint security efforts and diplomatic collaboration.
By formalizing this agreement, we’ve established a framework for sharing critical information securely, which will support our joint initiatives in NATO and other areas of cooperation. This move signifies a deeper level of partnership between Latvia and the Netherlands, one that will benefit both nations and the broader region.
Archyde: Minister Veldkamp, as we conclude, what are your overall reflections on this visit and its impact on the future of Netherlands-Latvia relations?
Minister Veldkamp: This visit has been a milestone in strengthening our ties with Latvia. Minister Braže’s commitment to regional security and NATO collaboration aligns closely with our priorities. The discussions we held today, the agreement we signed, and the preparations for the NATO summit all reflect a shared vision for a secure and stable Europe.
The Netherlands remains a steadfast ally of Latvia, and we look forward to continued cooperation in addressing geopolitical challenges and enhancing regional security. This visit has reinforced our partnership, and we are confident that it will yield positive outcomes for both our nations and NATO as a whole.
Archyde: Thank you, Minister Veldkamp, for your insightful reflections. We look forward to seeing the outcomes of this strengthened partnership in the months ahead.
Minister Veldkamp: Thank you. The Netherlands and Latvia are indeed moving forward together, and this visit has laid a strong foundation for our future collaboration.
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End of Interview
Published by Archyde on January 15,2025