On 9th September 2026, Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Baiba Braže hosted the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Tom Berendsen, during his first visit to Latvia. The ministers traveled to the eastern border to evaluate regional security, review practical sanctions implementation, and discuss ongoing international support for Ukraine, according to official releases from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Border Security and Hybrid Threat Assessments in Terehova
During their stop in Terehova, the two foreign ministers received briefings regarding the operational duties of Latvian border guards and the enforcement of sanctions along external European Union and NATO borders. Photographic documentation from the visit captured the officials observing the area from a helicopter. Baiba Braže stated that the instrumentalisation of migrants by Belarus and Russia functions as an organized hybrid threat directed against all of Europe, as outlined by the ministry’s statement.
The discussions also covered the necessity of securing adequate financial support within the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework. Both officials agreed that this upcoming financial package must allocate proper funding toward eastern border infrastructure, advanced technologies, and the operational capabilities of border services. Following the briefings, Braže thanked the Latvian border guards, National Armed Forces, State Police, and other affiliated services for their ongoing work protecting the national border.
Defense Cooperation and Regional Partnerships
The meeting highlighted close military ties and security cooperation between the Baltic region and the Netherlands. Braže commended the Netherlands for its contributions to regional defense, specifically noting the German-Netherlands Corps’ responsibility for NATO land forces stationed in Latvia and Estonia. Officials also acknowledged Dutch participation in the Baltic Air Policing mission and the ongoing deployment of Dutch troops within the NATO Multinational Battlegroup in Lithuania.
Did You Know? During their 9th September 2026 visit to Terehova, the foreign ministers observed border operations from a helicopter to inspect the practical enforcement of sanctions at the EU’s external borders.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Tom Berendsen visit Latvia?
Tom Berendsen visited Latvia on 9th September 2026 for his first visit to the country.
What locations did the foreign ministers visit?
The ministers visited Latvia’s eastern border and the town of Terehova.
What specific contributions did Baiba Braže commend the Netherlands for?
Braže commended the Netherlands for the German-Netherlands Corps’ responsibility for NATO land forces in Latvia and Estonia, participation in the Baltic Air Policing mission, and the presence of Dutch troops in the NATO Multinational Battlegroup in Lithuania.
What specific steps do you think European nations should prioritize next to secure their shared external borders?
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