The new US ambassador to Latvia, Melissa Ardijoso, made her introductory visit to the Saeima on Friday, where she was received by the Chairwoman, Daiga Mierina. During the meeting, Mierina expressed confidence in the successful collaboration with Ardijoso, highlighting the US as a strategic partner for Latvia. The chairwoman emphasized the importance of cooperation across various domains and appreciated the strong ties between Latvia and the US Congress.

Mierina noted the regular exchanges of bilateral visits and the significant support from the US Congress towards the Baltic states. She specifically thanked Ardijoso for the ongoing contributions to Latvia’s defense, which she highlighted as a vital area of collaboration. This appreciation comes as Latvia has allocated nearly 5% of its GDP for defense this year, illustrating the country’s commitment to national security amidst growing geopolitical tensions.

The meeting underscored not only the importance of diplomatic relationships but also Latvia's reliance on the US for strategic defense. As Europe increasingly recognizes the need for enhanced defense investments, Latvia's proactive approach in this area signifies its awareness of the broader security landscape. Empowered by strong ties with its partners, Latvia aims to further solidify its defense framework while fostering a cooperative spirit with allies like the US.