The main directions of the foreign policy of Latvia are closely related to national security issues during active participation in the activities of structural units of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and European Union (EU). They stipulate the continuation of close and active transatlantic dialogue and promote the strengthening of strategic cooperation between Latvia and USA. Simultaneously, Latvia attributes importance also to the establishment of partner relations with the countries of Northern Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Comprehensive Defence
The aim of national comprehensive defence concept is to deepen the state's cooperation between all institutions, ensure effective public and private partnership mechanism development, increase the public's awareness of how to defend themselves, their families and Latvia as well as to create an self-organization tools in case of crisis.
In response to the changing security challenges, the Latvian State Protection System should be comprehensive and based on a whole-society and state institution readiness to overcome a crisis situation as well as to remain resilient against external influences. The Ministry of Defence therefore calls for the development of a national defence system which includes not only public defence areas or public administration bodies but also representatives of the private sector, companies, non-governmental organisations, citizens and other persons.
The State Defence Concept
In accordance with Article 29 of the National Security Law, the Ministry of Defence prepares the State Defence Concept (SDC). The SDC is a policy planning document that has been prepared on the basis of the Military Threat Analysis. The policy sets out the strategic goals, basic principles, priorities and measures of the country's military defence in times of peace, threat to the state and war. In accordance with the National Security Law of the state, the SDC drafted by the Ministry of Defence shall be reviewed by the Cabinet of Ministers and approved by the Saeima at least once in each parliamentary term - by 1 October of the second year of its activities.
International Cooperation
The Ministry of Defence ensures very close industry cooperation among the Baltic States, with Latvia's strategic partners the USA and Canada, the lead country of the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia, and the Nordic countries, in particular Denmark, which co-leads the Multinational Division Headquarters "North" with Latvia. At the same time, Latvia receives very substantial military support from several European countries, such as Spain, Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Iceland, Germany, the United Kingdom, Finland, Sweden, etc.
Public Involvement
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is open for cooperation with civil society and invites non-governmental sector to actively participate in the policy planning and implementation processes of state administration.
The MoD has established a regular cooperation with the non-governmental sector in Latvia and abroad.
Cybersecurity
The aim of cybersecurity policy is a safe and secure cyberspace, where the safe, reliable and uninterrupted provision of essential services to government and society is guaranteed.
Industry and infrastructure
A NATO-compliant and development-oriented defence supply policy ensures successful international cooperation, economic growth and the involvement of local entrepreneurs in maintaining, supporting and providing capabilities of the National Armed Forces.
Environmental protection
Environmental protection has always been a focus of the Ministry of Defence (MoD). As early as 1999, experts from the MoD and the National Armed Forces (NAF) developed the first MoD and NAF Environmental Protection Strategy and Action Plan to achieve the objectives set out in the Strategy.
In 2023, a new MoD Environmental Policy and MoD Environmental Guidelines 2023-2027 were approved.