Sánchez reaffirms to Kariņš Spain's commitment to the security of NATO's eastern flank

Moncloa Palace, Madrid

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, today held a bilateral meeting at Moncloa Palace with the Prime Minister of Latvia, Arturs Krišjānis Kariņš, to discuss bilateral relations and the issues to be raised at the upcoming European Council on 24 and 25 June, such as the war in Ukraine and its consequences at a global level, sanctions against Russia, security and defence issues, and the upcoming NATO Summit in Madrid.

The President stressed that Spain is "fully committed" to security on NATO's eastern flank. Spain's commitment to NATO's eastern flank is evidenced by our country's recent reinforced with 100 more troops of the more than 500 Spanish military personnel operating in Latvia within the framework of the Atlantic Alliance's 'Enhanced Forward Presence'. Spain has also sent a battery of anti-aircraft defence missiles to the country to strengthen deterrence and prevention efforts.

Spain also supports the deterrent dimension of the Atlantic Alliance from Lithuania, where our country has eight F-18 fighters and 130 troops deployed at the Šiauliai base, within the framework of the Baltic Air Police.

The leaders also discussed the upcoming NATO Summit in Madrid, which will adopt the Madrid Strategic Concept, a document that will shape the organisation's future for the next 10 years. Sánchez also highlighted the novelty of Sweden and Finland's candidatures for membership of the Atlantic Alliance.

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, talks with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, Arturs Krišjānis Kariņš | Foto: Pool Moncloa/Fernando Calvo

Sánchez and Kariņš addressed Putin's war in Ukraine and sanctions against Russia. In this respect, the President of the Government underlined Spain's support for the International Criminal Court to investigate possible war crimes against the Ukrainian people.

On the consequences of the war, the leaders addressed the threat of a food crisis and the solutions proposed by the United Nations, initiatives that have Spain's full support. Sánchez recalled that the world is facing the social and economic consequences of war with some 1.7 billion people at risk of poverty and hunger. This is why Spain has approved a contribution of 31 million euros in humanitarian aid for Ukraine and neighbouring countries, with a special focus on Moldova to alleviate the consequences of the war.

Trade relations between Spain and Latvia in 2021 represented a surplus for our country of 124 million euros. Spain's exports to Latvia last year amounted to 280 million euros and its imports to Latvia amounted to around 156 million euros. These economic relations could be further consolidated in areas such as infrastructure, a sector in which Spanish companies are highly specialised and experienced.

Non official translation