Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting with Latvia Minister of Defence Ināra Mūrniece

Secretary Austin lauded Latvia’s robust defense spending and welcomed Latvia’s investment in new capabilities like long-range fires and defense infrastructure.

By Department of Defense news release , DoD Washington, D.C. Apr 13, 2023

View Gallery

Gallery contains 1 image

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III welcomed Latvian Minister of Defence Ināra Mūrniece to the Pentagon on April 13, 2023.

The leaders discussed the strength of the U.S.-Latvia defense relationship and ongoing efforts to support Ukraine. They discussed shared security interests in Europe, including NATO’s deterrence and defense posture, ahead of the July NATO Summit in Vilnius. The two look forward to further cooperation both bilaterally and through NATO.

Secretary Austin and Minister Mūrniece exchanged views on Russia’s horrific war against Ukraine. Secretary Austin thanked Minister Mūrniece for Latvia’s significant military assistance to Ukraine, noting that Latvia is one of the largest contributors to Ukraine relative to the size of its economy. The leaders emphasized their steadfast commitment to Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Secretary Austin also lauded Latvia’s robust defense spending and welcomed Latvia’s investment in new capabilities like long-range fires and defense infrastructure. Secretary Austin and Minister Mūrniece agreed to continue the close cooperation to deepen our defense and security relationship.

Allies on ice: Military teams face off in Stronger Together Hockey Exhibition

Northern Europe chiefs of defense conference focuses on regional security cooperation

Austin visits US troops, meets with leaders in Latvia

Northern Group Ministerial Meetings Focus on Exercises and Training

U.S. Soldiers, Latvians work transportation for Operation Atlantic Resolve

Latvia

Additional assets arrive in support of recovery efforts in Lithuania

In the last 24 hours, U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities brought in additional assets to assist with the ongoing recovery efforts of four missing U.S. Army Soldiers and a M88 Hercules from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

B-52s conduct first live weapons drop in Sweden since nation joined NATO

The mission also included a low-formation flyover of the Swedish Parliament to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Sweden’s accession to NATO.

‘FORTRESS HAIL’ mission bolsters U.S. lethality alongside NATO Allies

Bomber Task Force missions like FORTRESS HAIL demonstrate the ability to integrate seamlessly with mission partners, strengthening readiness and lethality.

Additional assets arrive in support of recovery efforts in Lithuania

B-52s conduct first live weapons drop in Sweden since nation joined NATO

The mission also included a low-formation flyover of the Swedish Parliament to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Sweden’s accession to NATO.

‘FORTRESS HAIL’ mission bolsters U.S. lethality alongside NATO Allies

Bomber Task Force missions like FORTRESS HAIL demonstrate the ability to integrate seamlessly with mission partners, strengthening readiness and lethality.

Additional assets arrive in support of recovery efforts in Lithuania

B-52s conduct first live weapons drop in Sweden since nation joined NATO

The mission also included a low-formation flyover of the Swedish Parliament to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Sweden’s accession to NATO.

‘FORTRESS HAIL’ mission bolsters U.S. lethality alongside NATO Allies

Bomber Task Force missions like FORTRESS HAIL demonstrate the ability to integrate seamlessly with mission partners, strengthening readiness and lethality.

United States European Command

United States European Command

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting with Latvia Minister of Defence Ināra Mūrniece

Secretary Austin lauded Latvia’s robust defense spending and welcomed Latvia’s investment in new capabilities like long-range fires and defense infrastructure.

United States European Command

United States European Command

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting with Latvia Minister of Defence Ināra Mūrniece

Secretary Austin lauded Latvia’s robust defense spending and welcomed Latvia’s investment in new capabilities like long-range fires and defense infrastructure.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's meets with Latvia Minister of Defence Ināra Mūrniece