Ankara: Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics has stated that the NATO summit in Ankara will inject new energy into bilateral defense cooperation and defense industrial partnerships, while affirming Latvia's support for Ukraine's prospective membership in the alliance. Speaking to Anadolu on the sidelines of the 36th NATO Summit, Rinkevics characterized the relations between Latvia and Trkiye as "excellent."

According to Anadolu Agency, Rinkevics highlighted the significant number of heads of state and government attending the summit, emphasizing that the gathering would bolster both multilateral and bilateral ties. He noted that the summit would provide a boost to multilateral relations and bilateral defense cooperation, particularly in the defense industry. Rinkevics also mentioned the creation of the Defense, Security, and Resilience Bank (DSR Bank), which aims to fund defense industrial cooperation between Latvia, Canada, and Trkiye.

The Latvian president expressed interest in developing new technologies, such as drones, counter-drone systems, and electronic warfare systems, and indicated that Latvia's defense minister and a defense industry delegation are participating in the summit and accompanying exhibition to explore new collaboration opportunities.

Rinkevics addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, noting that Russia has shown no willingness to negotiate a peace agreement. He acknowledged Ukraine's ability to defend itself and its technological advancements during over four years of resisting Russia's invasion. While expressing hope for a political and diplomatic resolution, Rinkevics stated there is no indication that Russia is ready to pursue such an outcome.

He reiterated Latvia's support for Ukraine joining NATO but acknowledged that consensus within the alliance has yet to be achieved. Rinkevics emphasized the benefits of Ukraine becoming a NATO member but recognized that a unanimous decision is necessary, which has not been reached within the alliance.