Baltic and Nordic countries discuss regional security

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On March 29, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Andris Pelšs, welcomed the State Secretaries (senior civil servants, not to be confused with U.S.-style Secretaries of State) from the Foreign Ministries of the Baltic States and Nordic countries (Nordic-Baltic Eight, NB8) to their annual meeting in Rīga organised this year by Latvia as the coordinator of cooperation in the NB8 format, according to a release from the ministry. 

In line with the priorities set by Latvia, the meeting was dedicated to regional security issues. The participants focused on support for Ukraine, holding Russia accountable, topics of current importance for NATO, as well as the role of NB8 in the promotion of the rules-based international order.

The meeting was chaired by Pelšs, who underlined that assistance to Ukraine, especially military and financial, must continue unabated. The security of our region depends on the outcome of Russia’s war in Ukraine; therefore, support must be given for as long as it would be necessary. Pressure must also be maintained on Russia, both by adopting new sanctions and by preventing attempts to circumvent the existing restrictive measures.

“Being like-minded, NB8 countries should further contribute to the strengthening of the rules-based international order, especially the active cooperation of NB8 countries within the United Nations Human Rights Council,” Pelšs said.

The NB8 state secretaries also visited the Ādaži military base and observed the military exercise 'Crystal Arrow 2023', organized by the Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Land Forces and taking place in Latvia from 20 to 31 March.

The NB8 format comprises Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden.

More information on Latvia’s coordination year for NB8 cooperation.

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