According to reports from the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mfa.gov.lv) and mbot.lv, Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Baiba Braže hosted Netherlands Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Berendsen on September 9, 2026, for his first visit to Latvia, focusing on the defense of the European Union’s external frontier, hybrid threats, and joint military backing for Ukraine.
Border Security at Terehova and Hybrid Threats
Ministers Braže and Berendsen traveled to the Terehova border control point alongside State Border Guard Chief General Guntis Pujāts to inspect operations and the practical enforcement of sanctions on the external EU and NATO boundary. According to mfa.gov.lv, Minister Braže emphasized that the instrumentalization of migrants by Belarus and Russia constitutes an organized hybrid threat directed at all of Europe. Mbot.lv noted that both officials agreed that the next multi-year EU budget must allocate adequate funding for border infrastructure, advanced technologies, and service capabilities. Minister Braže formally thanked the Latvian border guards, National Armed Forces, State Police, and other services for their defense of the frontier, as reported by mfa.gov.lv.
Did you know? According to verified reporting from mfa.gov.lv, the Terehova inspection marked Tom Berendsen’s first official visit to Latvia as the Foreign Minister of the Netherlands.
Netherlands Contributions to Baltic Defense Architecture
Minister Braže praised the Dutch contributions to regional security, highlighting specific deployments across the Baltic states. According to mfa.gov.lv and mbot.lv, these efforts include the German-Netherlands Corps holding responsibility for NATO land forces in Latvia and Estonia, Dutch participation in Baltic air policing missions, and the presence of Dutch troops within the NATO multinational battlegroup in Lithuania. Mbot.lv added that the ministries also explored deepening defense cooperation through drone technology innovations and testing, including potential usage of Latvia’s Selija military range by the Dutch armed forces.
Support for Ukraine and Sanctions Pressure on Russia
Addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine, the ministers stressed the vital need to sustain military aid to Kyiv and heighten economic pressure on Moscow. According to mfa.gov.lv, Minister Braže called for the regular adoption of targeted restrictions against companies, technologies, and supply channels that assist Russia in manufacturing missiles, drones, and other weaponry, supplementing broader sanction packages. Furthermore, mbot.lv reported that Minister Braže welcomed the Netherlands’ readiness to host the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, asserting that Russia’s top political and military leadership must face accountability for their actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who visited the Terehova border control point in September 2026?
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže hosted Netherlands Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen on his first visit to Latvia, alongside State Border Guard Chief General Guntis Pujāts, according to mfa.gov.lv.
What specific hybrid threat was discussed by the ministers?
According to mfa.gov.lv, the officials discussed the instrumentalization of migrants by Belarus and Russia, identifying it as an organized hybrid threat to Europe.
Where might Dutch armed forces test new capabilities in Latvia?
Mbot.lv reported that the ministries evaluated potential opportunities for the Dutch military to utilize the Selija military range for drone technology innovations and testing.
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