U.S. President's Special Envoy for Belarus, John Koole, visited Riga on September 17. There he met with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Head of the State Border Guard Service of the country. The U.S. Embassy in Latvia reported on the visit.
In Riga, Koole reportedly arrived to learn more about security challenges on Latvia's eastern border and to discuss opportunities for cooperation between the United States and Latvia.
During the meeting with Andris Kulbergs, the parties paid special attention to the security of the Latvian border with Belarus and Russia, countering illegal migration, which Latvian authorities associate with the actions of the Belarusian regime, as well as U.S. efforts to release political prisoners in Belarus.
Kulbergs called the U.S. a strategic ally and an important partner for Latvia. He noted the importance of the American military presence in the country and practical support in defending the eastern border. According to him, strengthening the Latvian border simultaneously enhances the security of the European Union and NATO.
The Latvian Prime Minister also positively assessed the release of 25 Belarusian political prisoners but emphasized that no significant improvements have been observed in the actions of the Belarusian authorities.
According to Kulbergs, the Belarusian regime continues repression against society, supports Russian aggression against Ukraine, and uses migration as an instrument of hybrid attack. In this regard, Latvia considers it necessary to maintain political and sanctions pressure and supports the expansion and strengthening of EU sanctions.
In addition to security issues, during the meeting, Latvia's interest in deepening economic cooperation with the United States and attracting new American investments was confirmed.
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