Latvian president says Ankara NATO summit to boost defense ties

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics said on Monday that the NATO summit in Ankara will provide fresh momentum for bilateral defense cooperation with Türkiye, stressing Riga's interest in deepening defense industrial partnerships. Speaking to Anadolu on the sidelines of the 36th NATO Summit, Rinkevics described relations between Latvia and Türkiye as "excellent."

"I believe this will provide a major boost not only to multilateral relations but also to bilateral defense cooperation, particularly cooperation in the defense industry," he said, noting that the gathering of numerous heads of state and government would reinforce both multilateral and bilateral channels.

DSR Bank and technology

Rinkevics highlighted the establishment of the Defense, Security, and Resilience Bank — or DSR Bank — which will fund defense industrial cooperation between Latvia, Canada, and Türkiye. He emphasized Latvia's interest in developing new military technologies, including drones, counter-drone systems, and electronic warfare capabilities.

"We are interested in developing new technologies, drones, counter-drone systems and electronic warfare systems. We want to find new partners," he said, adding that Latvia's defense minister and a defense industry delegation are attending the summit to explore new areas of cooperation.

Ukraine membership bid

Turning to the war in Ukraine, Rinkevics said Russia has shown no willingness to negotiate a peace agreement despite diplomatic efforts by multiple leaders. "President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and many other leaders have made every effort. At the moment, we do not see progress," he said.

Rinkevics reiterated Latvia's long-standing support for Ukraine joining NATO but acknowledged that consensus within the alliance has not yet been reached. "If Ukraine becomes a NATO member, we will all benefit," he said. "But this is a decision that should be taken unanimously. And so far, we do not have this unanimous, let's say, accord within the alliance."