FlickrOn his first visit to Latvia Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney announces the extension of Canada’s military presence in Latvia as part of the NATO’s deterrence operation
28.08.2025. 23:47
Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, was on his first visit to Latvia from 26 to 27 August 2025. On 26 August Prime Minister Carney and his delegation met with the Prime Minister of Latvia, Evika Siliņa and the Latvian delegation, which included Minister of Foreign Affairs Baiba Braže and Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds. Focus of the discussions was strengthening transatlantic security and NATO efforts to deter Russian aggression on the Eastern Flank.
During their meeting, the Prime Ministers underscored the importance of NATO, of ending Russia’s war of aggression, and of securing a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. They focused on the need for robust security guarantees for durable, lasting peace. The leaders also discussed the importance of peace and security to economic growth and to advancing Canada’s economic partnership with Europe through trade and defence.
During their joint address to the media, Prime Minister Carney announced Canada’s renewal of Operation REASSURANCE for another three years. Prime Minister Siliņa welcomed the announcement of Prime Minister Carney on the extension of Canada’s military presence and underscored the importance of this decision for the security of Latvia and the broader region. She also said that it sent a clear signal to our allies as well as to the aggressor on our unity and strength.
Prime Minister Siliņa commended the excellent relations between Latvia and Canada and expressed her determination to further advance them, including by promoting trade and economic cooperation with Canada in digital area, hydrogen and drone production, as well as in construction and food production.
Watch the full version of the joint address to the media here:
On 27 August Prime Minister Carney, Minister of National Defence David McGuinty and Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds visited military camp Ādaži where they met members of the Canadian Armed Forces deployed to Latvia.
Canada launched Operation REASSURANCE in 2014 following Russia’s initial invasion of Ukraine. More than a decade later, it remains the Canadian Armed Forces’ largest overseas mission, with approximately 2,000 troops currently deployed to deter Russian aggression and defend NATO territory.
This renewal will sustain the Brigade’s personnel and military capabilities in Latvia – reinforcing our collective defence, strengthening co-operative security, and keeping NATO presence strong on the Eastern Flank. As Framework Nation, Canada leads the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia, a formation of approximately 3,000 personnel from 14 NATO Allies.