Mariano Rajoy stresses that mission in Latvia shows Spain's "tremendous degree of commitment" to NATO

Ādaži military base, Latvia

According to Mariano Rajoy, the military mission in Latvia is "important" because it shows "Spain's solidarity with our most distant allies" and "a tremendous degree of commitment to NATO".

The President of the Government underlined that "our national security interests also exist in those countries with which we share our mutual defence and because we want to see a NATO with a 360º vision".

Mariano Rajoy also added that "Spain will continue to maintain this level of commitment with the Baltic countries", particularly with Latvia, where Spain could "head up the Multinational Battalion in the future".

Gratitude to Spanish servicemen

The President of the Government described the Spanish military mission in Latvia as "historic", since it is the first time that "Spain has sent armoured units beyond our borders". In this regard, he praised the "logistics effort" made by the Army in "transporting all these resources".

He also highlighted the importance of this mission because it means "guaranteeing the peace, security and liberty of many people" in Latvia, in the rest of Europe and also in Spain.

Before ending his speech, Mariano Rajoy thanked the Spanish soldiers for the work they are carrying out in this country: "I want to express my recognition of your work, wish you the very best over these coming months, wish you a successful mission and hope that you also see on the horizon that you will be back in Spain, safe and sound, to spend Christmas with your families".

Meeting with Prime Minister of Latvia

Pool Moncloa/Diego Crespo

Before visiting the Spanish contingent deployed in Latvia, the President of the Government met with Māris Kučinskis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia. The two leaders held a meeting with their respective collaborators, at which they reviewed the political and security situation in Europe.