On March 14, Special Envoy and Coordinator for the Global Engagement Center James P. Rubin and Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the United States Maris Selga, accompanied by Prime Minister of Latvia Evika Siliņa and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Latvia on countering foreign state information manipulation.
The signing of this memorandum signifies the seriousness with which both countries approach the threat of foreign information manipulation, which includes disinformation and propaganda. The United States and the Republic of Latvia will expand information sharing about this threat, share best practices for countering foreign disinformation, and align policies along the five key action areas established in the U.S. State Department's Framework to Counter Foreign State Information Manipulation.
Foreign information manipulation is a transnational security threat that can create or exploit divisions within and among countries, imperil election integrity, and undermine public trust in government. Only in concert with like-minded partners and allies can free, democratic societies push back against this threat. This Memorandum of Understanding with the Republic of Latvia is another positive step towards expanding the coalition of countries working together to protect a free, fact-based information environment.
