State Secretary Andris Pelšs discusses transatlantic relations at the Prague European Summit

On 18 November 2020, at the Prague European Summit, the State Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andris Pelšs, took part in a discussion on transatlantic relations.

Andris Pelšs underlined the indispensable role of the transatlantic link for European security and global security and economic development. Referring to the future of transatlantic relations after the presidential election in the United States of America, the State Secretary noted that the EU and the U.S. are and will remain strategic partners. We must work towards common strategic goals, Andris Pelšs said. Security is of the paramount importance for Latvia. Latvia’s practical cooperation with the U.S. in the field of security and defence in recent years has been especially successful, and we expect cooperation with the new U.S. Administration to be just as close, State Secretary Pelšs noted, adding that NATO’s European Allies will have to continue investing more in security and defence.

The State Secretary pointed out that a rules-based international order is very important for Latvia. In this respect, he said, we are looking forward to a closer dialogue between Europe and the U.S. and a more constructive approach by the U.S. Administration to multilateralism and overcoming the challenges it faces.

The Prague European Summit took place for the 15^th time this year. The event brings together government officials, Members of Parliament, researchers and representatives of civil society from the European Union and NATO member states.