Latvia and Finland Strengthen Alliance Amid Rising Baltic Sea Security Concerns
In a pivotal bilateral meeting on January 28, 2025, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže and Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen reaffirmed their commitment too bolstering security in the Baltic Sea region. The ministers emphasized their shared stance on addressing the growing threats posed by Russia, underscoring the need for enhanced NATO deterrence and defense capabilities.
“latvia and finland are close allies and partners,” Braže stated. “We have excellent bilateral relationships and a single position on security and protection issues. We understand that Russia is a long-term threat to the world’s peace and international order, so it is necessary to further strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defense capabilities, and the Allied response to Russia’s threat, which is becoming more intense.”
The meeting comes amid heightened concerns over recent incidents involving underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Valtonen highlighted the damage to the Estlink 2 electric cable between Finland and Estonia during Christmas, as well as the January 26 rupture of an underwater optical fiber cable between Latvia and Sweden. She stressed that these incidents represent a global,not regional,security challenge.
The ministers praised NATO’s decision to implement additional protection measures and increase its presence in the Baltic Sea to safeguard critical infrastructure. They also discussed steps to counter Russia’s “shadow fleet” and plans for the Baltic states to disconnect from the Russian and Belarusian electrical systems (BRELL) in February. This move, coupled with their integration into the European power grid, marks a significant step toward energy independence.
| Key Highlights from the Meeting |
|————————————-|
| Focus Areas | Strengthening NATO deterrence, protecting Baltic Sea infrastructure, countering Russian threats |
| recent Incidents | Damage to estlink 2 cable, rupture of Latvia-Sweden fiber cable |
| Energy Independence | Disconnection from BRELL, integration into European power grid |
| support for Ukraine | Continued aid for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity |
The ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of achieving a fair and enduring peace. Valtonen, representing Finland’s presidency of the Association for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), highlighted ukraine’s territorial indivisibility and sovereignty as key priorities.
Transatlantic cooperation was another focal point of the discussions. Both ministers agreed on the importance of fostering an active dialog with the new U.S. administration to address security and economic challenges.
Valtonen’s visit to Riga coincided with the annual meeting of Latvian diplomatic mission heads, held during Latvia’s international recognition month. She addressed Latvian ambassadors, offering Finland’s viewpoint on the security of the Baltic States and the Nordic region.
As Latvia and Finland continue to deepen their bilateral relations, their joint efforts underscore the critical role of regional cooperation in addressing shared security challenges. For more details on their partnership, visit the official page on Latvia-Finland bilateral relations.This meeting marks a significant step in fortifying the Baltic Sea region’s defenses, ensuring a united front against escalating threats.
