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On Thursday 17 September, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs met with John Coale, the US President’s Special Envoy for Belarus, underscoring the import role of the United States in ensuring the security of Latvia and the region. The discussion focused in particular on the security Operation “VILKATIS”, conducted in the eastern border area, efforts to curb illegal migration organized by the Belarusian regime, and US efforts to secure the release of political prisoners in Belarus.
“The United States is Latvia’s strategic ally and an important cooperation partner. We highly value the US military presence in Latvia and its practical support in protecting our eastern border. By strengthening Latvia’s border, we are strengthening the security of the European Union and NATO as a whole,” emphasised Andris Kulbergs.
The Prime Minister informed the Special Envoy about the inter-institutional Operation “VILKATIS”, launched on 11 August, under which the State Border Guard, the State Police and the National Armed Forces have intensified border and border-area controls and patrols, as well as efforts to combat illegal migration by targeting its organisers and those involved in transporting migrants. The operation is coordinated by the Crisis Management Centre of the State Chancellery. Cooperation among the services and the wider use of technology enhance their ability to detect and prevent border violations in a timely manner, including attempts to cross the border through underground tunnels.
Latvia is currently facing the greatest pressure from illegal migration organized by the Belarusian regime along the European Union’s external border. As of 16 September this year, the Latvian authorities had prevented more than 11,000 attempts to cross the Latvia–Belarus border illegally, accounting for approximately 85% of all such attempts prevented along the EU’s border with Belarus. Evidence gathered by the Latvian authorities confirms the involvement of the Belarusian authorities in transporting migrants to the border and facilitating illegal border crossings. Latvia’s message to those involved in facilitating illegal border crossings is clear: such conduct constitutes a criminal offence under the Criminal Law and will sooner or later lead to a conviction. Some individuals are already receiving lengthy prison sentences.
The Prime Minister welcomed the release of 25 Belarusian political prisoners, highlighting the leading role played by the United States. At the same time, Prime Minister A. Kulbergs noted that there had been no significant change in the conduct of the Belarusian regime. The regime continues to repress its own people, support Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and use migration as a tool for carrying out hybrid attacks. Latvia therefore considers it necessary to maintain political pressure and sanctions against the regime and supports the broadening and tightening of EU sanctions.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister also reaffirmed Latvia’s interest in deepening economic cooperation with the US and attracting new US investment.
