Press conference
with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, the Prime Minister of Latvia, Krišjānis Kariņš, the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, the Minister of Defence of Canada, Anita Anand and the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez
(As delivered)
Prime Minister Kariņš,
Prime Minister Trudeau,
Prime Minister Sánchez.
Dear Krišjānis, dear Justin, dear Pedro.
It is great to be together with all of you here today.
This demonstrates really NATO solidarity.
That we stand together, facing a critical moment for our security caused by the brutal invasion of Russia on a peaceful country in Europe – Ukraine.
President Putin’s war on Ukraine has shattered peace in Europe.
It has shaken the international order.
And it continues to take a devastating toll on the Ukrainian people.
But Putin seriously underestimated Ukraine.
And he seriously underestimated the strength and unity of NATO,
and of our friends and partners around the world.
We have imposed unprecedented costs on Russia.
We have stepped up our support for Ukraine, helping to uphold its right to self-defence.
And we have implemented historic reinforcements of NATO’s collective defence.
With thousands more troops reinforcing the eastern part of our Alliance.
Including here in Latvia.
I strongly welcome that Allies including Canada, Spain, and the United States are deploying hundreds more troops to our multinational presence here at the Adazi base in Latvia.
Justin, Pedro, thank you for your personal leadership and your commitment to our collective security.
Canada has led NATO’s battlegroup in Latvia for years, with skill and dedication.
A powerful demonstration of your commitment to transatlantic security.
Spain is leading by example, by deploying additional troops, ships and jets to strengthen our defensive posture in Europe.
It was really an honour to meet your forces here today.
From both sides of the Atlantic.
They represent the spirit of all our Allies:
All for one, and one for all.
NATO is a defensive Alliance.
We do not seek conflict with Russia.
Our ultimate responsibility is to keep our one billion citizens safe.
This means we must do everything possible to prevent the conflict from spreading beyond Ukraine.
And our presence here in Latvia sends an unmistakable message of unity and resolve.
Our commitment to Article 5 of the Washington Treaty is absolute.
And we will do whatever it takes to protect and defend all Allies.
Krišjānis, Justin and Pedro,
At this dangerous moment for our security, we stand united for our people and our values.
Europe and North America together, in NATO.
Thank you.