A common front against Russia. Warsaw and Riga in a new security agreement

Deputy Prime Minister, head of the Ministry of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced that together with his Latvian counterpart Andris Spruds, they are starting work on a new Polish-Latvian security agreement. He added that the agreement could be ready for signature within a few weeks.

On Monday, the Latvian Minister of Defense visited Warsaw, where he met with Kosiniak-Kamysz. At the press conference, Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that the two nations have in common, among others: history and experience of oppression from the Russian Federation. At the same time, he assessed that the most important task currently facing Poland and Latvia is to ensure a safe future.

Andris Spruds agreed with him, emphasizing that cooperation between Poland and Latvia is strategic and crucial for security in the region. He pointed out that both countries share initiatives such as the Eastern Shield and the Baltic Defense Line, as well as denunciations of the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use of anti-personnel mines. As he said, the 6-month notice period for the convention will expire for Poland on February 20. – The entire eastern flank denounced the Ottawa Convention, not to attack anyone, but to always defend its territory – said Kosiniak-Kamysz.

The head of the Ministry of National Defense also declared that Poland would fulfill all its allied obligations towards Latvia, including Art. 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, committing to common defense in the event of an attack. – Poland is a loyal ally and will fulfill its obligations – he said.

– We also decided to work on a new memorandum, an agreement between our countries – Memorandum of Understanding – regarding security policy. I think that within a few weeks we will be ready to sign it and I would like to sign this agreement in Riga, together with the minister, and announce our even closer cooperation – said Kosiniak-Kamysz.

Both ministers also drew attention to the NATO battle group operating in Adaji, Latvia, which includes soldiers from 14 allied countries. The group is commanded on a daily basis by Canadians, and one of the larger contingents – a tank company – is provided by Poles. – We want to increase our capabilities and our presence in Latvia. The Polish Military Contingent has been extended and I hope it will continue with greater capabilities, said Kosiniak-Kamysz. He added that one of the elements of the new Polish-Latvian agreement is to expand the capabilities of the Polish contingent.

The Latvian minister emphasized that “the presence of NATO troops in our area is a huge strategic success.” – This shows that we work together and together we can strengthen security on NATO's eastern flank. This is practical cooperation. There are 14 countries in Latvia. Poland is a very respected and appreciated ally. (…) This is a success, but you cannot stop there, said Spruds.

– The Polish contingent is treated like family, like our soldiers. We will approach them this way, because it shows that their presence is very important and greatly appreciated – he emphasized.

The ministers pointed out that parallel talks are ongoing regarding greater involvement of the Polish arms industry in Latvia. Kosiniak-Kamysz said that the deputy head of PGZ, Marcin Idzik, visited Riga. Poland is also involved in the so-called drone coalition, one of the coalitions to support Ukraine with specific military capabilities. Also in this area – assessed both ministers – there is a lot of scope for tightening Polish-Latvian cooperation.

The multinational NATO force in Latvia, stationed in this country since 2017 as part of the NATO eFP initiative, currently includes troops from fourteen countries. In the fall of 2024, the unit was promoted to the brigade level. Latvia is the first country on the eastern flank where the Alliance has established a battle group of this size. It is expected to achieve full combat readiness in 2026, with a target number of over 3,500 soldiers from allied countries. In addition to Canadians and Poles, its members include soldiers, among others: with soldiers from Italy, Albania, Slovenia, Spain, Denmark, and from the beginning of this year also Sweden. (PAP)

mml/ par/