NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Latvia on Thursday (14 November 2024) to observe Exercise Resolute Warrior 24, and to meet with President Edgars Rinkēvičs and Prime Minister Evika Silina.
Involving more than 3,500 Allied troops, Resolute Warrior 24 marks the first major field war-fighting exercise for the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia. The Canadian-led brigade includes personnel from twelve other Allies and is part of NATO's strengthened defence posture on the eastern flank.
During his visit to Ādaži Military Base, the Secretary General said that exercises such as Resolute Warrior, "give our forces experience of working together." He added that such intense training, "will make us more prepared to deter any aggression, and demonstrate our ability to defend all Allies."
During a press conference alongside President Rinkēvičs, Mr Rutte highlighted that Latvia spends more than 3% of its GDP on defence and supports Ukraine "with military equipment, ammunition and training".
He called for more Allied support for Ukraine, including air and missile defence, to protect critical infrastructure during the winter season.
Enhanced Forward Presence battlegroups and exercises like Resolute Warrior serve as critical elements of NATO's reinforced deterrence.
