Support for Ukraine and the future security in Europe go hand in hand, Foreign Minister Baiba Braze emphasizes, who on Thursday and Friday attended an informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Prague, LETA was told by the Foreign Ministry.
The priority topic addressed at the informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Prague was long-term support to Ukraine and the future role of NATO Allies in the provision of supplies and training to the Ukrainian armed forces.
“A strategic priority and goal: to agree on a support package for Ukraine at the Washington Summit, by which NATO would provide significant military and financial support to Ukraine in the long term. This package provides for political, financial and practical assistance to strengthen Ukraine’s self-defense capabilities in its fight against Russia and to bring Ukraine closer to NATO. Latvia is one of Ukraine’s most active supporters. In addition to the support already provided, in the bilateral cooperation agreement signed earlier this May, Latvia has committed to dedicating at least 0.25 percent of its GDP to support of Ukraine’s military,’’ said Braze.
At the meeting, the Foreign Minister underlined the need to continue Allied discussions on NATO policy vis-a-vis Russia’s aggression. In order to effectively restrict Russia’s ability to rebuild its armed forces and generally pose a threat to Euro-Atlantic security, it is necessary to implement a consistent containment strategy of Russia.