Attributed to Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Latvian Minister of Defence, Andris Sprūds, at the Pentagon today. The two leaders exchanged views on several regional and bilateral defense issues, including the importance of Alliance unity and continuing to counter Russian aggression in Ukraine.
The two leaders also spoke about ways to strengthen NATO's credible deterrence and defense capabilities; the need for expanded defense production to continue supporting Ukraine, replenish Allied munitions and equipment stocks, and meet the increased requirements of the defense plans adopted at the 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius; and U.S. and Latvian cooperation on Indo-Pacific issues.
Minister Sprūds highlighted Latvia's commitment to further boost defense spending to 3 percent of Gross Domestic Product by 2027, its work on the Drone Capability Coalition, and its support for visiting U.S. and NATO deployed forces.
The Secretary lauded Latvia's steadfast commitment and many contributions to the Alliance and efforts to ensure the security of NATO and its Eastern Flank.
Secretary Austin and Minister Sprūds affirmed their commitment to continuing to work closely together in the lead up to the 75th anniversary NATO Summit in July in Washington, D.C.