Joint press conference

Prime Minister Kulbergs, dear Andris,

Again, congratulations on your appointment! It's a great pleasure to welcome you to NATO Headquarters.

And let me say this. Latvia is a highly valued Ally.

And every day since Latvia joined NATO, which is now 22 years ago, the Alliance has protected of course your sovereignty and security.

As we saw just last week, French jets deployed for NATO Baltic Air Policing intercepted and destroyed a drone that entered Latvia's airspace.

And such drone incidents on NATO's eastern flank show Russia's dangerous and reckless actions. But it also shows once again NATO's determination and ability to deter and to defend.

No Ally stands alone in NATO.

Latvia hosts NATO Forward Land Forces, a brigade led by Canada with troop contributions from 12 other Allies. That is NATO solidarity in action.

Latvia leads by example on defence investment, with core defence spending due to reach almost 5% of GDP this year.

And you are also strengthening your defence industrial base, with a focus on drone technology and counter-drone systems. You have become a true hub for innovation in this critical area.

Latvia is a staunch supporter of Ukraine. It continues to provide essential support, including through its co-leadership of the International Drone Capability Coalition. That has already delivered contracts for 30,000 drones, many produced in Latvia.

And just last week, you signed a defence cooperation agreement with President Zelenskyy to share expertise.

Prime Minister, today we discussed the priorities for the NATO Summit in Ankara that is only three weeks away.

And the Summit will be about delivery.

Delivering increased defence investment, more defence production, and of course, our strong support for Ukraine.

Latvia is already showing how it's done.

I expect other Allies to demonstrate how they are turning extra spending into combat-ready capabilities, and how they are scaling up their defence industries.

I count on Allies to go further and faster. Because we face a more dangerous world.

Latvia's resolve is an example to us all. And we are all safer and stronger when we stand together in NATO.

Prime Minister Kulbergs, dear Andris, the floor is yours.