Polish President Karol Nawrocki Visits Latvia for Key Security and Economic Talks

Presidential Meeting in Riga Underscores Regional Unity

Polish President Karol Nawrocki conducted a working visit to Riga, Latvia, on Thursday, December 11, 2025, engaging in comprehensive discussions with Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics. The high-level talks, held at Riga Castle, focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation, strengthening regional security, and fostering economic partnerships between the two nations.

The agenda primarily addressed critical security and defense matters, transatlantic relations, and continued support for Ukraine. Both leaders emphasized the importance of a unified front against emerging threats in Eastern Europe.

Focus on Security and Defense Cooperation

A central theme of the discussions was the reinforcement of NATO's eastern flank and collective responses to hybrid warfare. President Rinkevics highlighted the significance of coordinated Baltic Sea security and enhanced airspace protection.

Both Latvia and Poland have demonstrated a strong commitment to defense, with each nation pledging to allocate 5% of their national budgets to defense. President Rinkevics described this commitment as 'a crucial step in reinforcing NATO's eastern flank'. President Nawrocki underscored the indispensable role of a robust U.S. military presence in Europe and strong cooperation between the European Union and the United States for maintaining regional stability. The presence of Polish soldiers at the Adazi military base was cited by Nawrocki as a symbol of shared responsibility for security.

Advancing Economic Ties and Infrastructure Projects

Beyond security, the presidents also delved into avenues for deepening economic cooperation. Discussions identified energy, transport, and technology as key sectors for joint initiatives. A significant portion of the talks was dedicated to regional infrastructure projects, notably the Via Baltica highway and the Rail Baltica railway. President Rinkevics noted that 'These issues require our joint efforts, both for Poland and for the Baltic states'.

President Nawrocki acknowledged the close historical ties and shared experiences between Poland and Latvia, stating, 'We see this historical foundation on the one hand and our common goals on the other'. He also extended an invitation to President Rinkevics to participate in an upcoming meeting on Baltic Sea security, which would also include discussions on Poland's invitation to the next G20 summit. The Polish President also expressed gratitude for Latvia's support for the Polish community in Latvia, including radio broadcasts and Polish language education.

Broader Regional and International Context

The visit also included a meeting between President Nawrocki and Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina. Prime Minister Silina affirmed the strong alliance, stating, 'Latvia and Poland are very close allies. Our countries share a common responsibility for the security of the region, close cooperation in the defense of the EU's external borders, as well as a common vision for the future of the EU and NATO'. Other topics touched upon included broader EU matters, environmental and energy issues, and the integration of Baltic states into the European electricity grid.