Thank you from Latvia to Türkiye! 'It made a significant contribution to our security'

According to the written statement made by the Latvian Ministry of Defense, Minister Melnis met with Turkish Air Force personnel at the Lielvarde Military Base of the Latvian National Armed Forces.

Melnis, whose views were included in the statement, expressed his gratitude to Türkiye for its sensitivity and rapid action, which made a significant contribution to strengthening the security of Latvian airspace.

Minister Melnis stated that the presence of Turkish warplanes in Lielvarde demonstrates NATO's ability to react quickly and effectively dispatch its forces to the areas where they are needed.

Melnis emphasized that close cooperation, mutual trust and determination to act together among the allies are the basic prerequisites for the security of Latvia and NATO's eastern flank.

TURKISH WAR PLANES SUPPORTED NATO'S AIR DEFENSE ACTIVITIES

According to the statement, F-16 warplanes belonging to the Turkish Air Force were in Latvia for a short time to support NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defense activities.

With the deployment of Turkish warplanes to Latvia, NATO's ability to quickly dispatch and deploy allied forces was tested, as well as the Lielvarde Military Base's readiness to receive and support allied air forces.

On the other hand, during the general elections held in Latvia on October 3, at the initiative of Minister of Defense Melnis, the air forces of Türkiye, Germany and Italy made additional contributions to strengthening the protection of Latvian airspace.