Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the bipartisan Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus, today met with Lithuanian Ambassador Audra Plepyt?, Latvian Ambassador Maris Selga, and Estonian Ambassador Kristjan Prikk to discuss ongoing U.S.-Baltic security cooperation, Russian aggression and Chinese economic threats in the region, and COVID-19 pandemic responses. During their conversation, Durbin welcomed the Baltic States’ acceptance of Afghan refugees, a majority of whom assisted their troops during the NATO mission.
Durbin has long supported security assistance and NATO cooperation toward the Baltic States, as key frontline states familiar with Russian intimidation. Continuing this important alliance, Durbin was pleased to share with the ambassadors that he expects strong Baltic Security Initiative language in the Senate’s Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
“It is always an honor to meet with delegations from the Baltic States. Not only do I have strong personal ties to the region, but Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are essential NATO partners in upholding democratic values abroad. I remain steadfast in my support for the Baltic States as they work to combat Russian and Chinese aggression,” said Durbin.
A photo of the meeting is available here.
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