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Liepāja, Latvia – As part of NATO’s commitment to securing critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, the flagship of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1) visited Latvia. During this visit, the Commander of SNMCMG1, Belgian Navy Commander Erik Kockx, met with the Deputy Commander of the Minesweeper Squadron of the Latvian Navy, Lieutenant Commander Jurijs Andrejevs, to discuss regional security, ongoing cooperation, and NATO’s efforts to protect critical undersea infrastructure.

This visit highlights NATO’s continued efforts in the Baltic Sentry mission, launched in response to recent incidents involving undersea infrastructure, reinforcing the Alliance’s role in ensuring security and stability in the region.

Today’s discussions with the acting Chief of Staff of the Latvian Navy, Commander Jānis Krūčis, reinforce our shared commitment to a safe and secure maritime environment. The cooperation between NATO forces and regional allies is the backbone of our collective defense

“Latvia is a crucial Ally in ensuring the security of the Baltic Sea,” said Commander Kockx. “Today’s discussions with the Deputy Commander of the Minesweeper Squadron of the Latvian Navy, Lieutenant Commander Jurijs Andrejevs, reinforce our shared commitment to a safe and secure maritime environment. The cooperation between NATO forces and regional allies is the backbone of our collective defense.”