On the second day of her visit to Latvia, the President of the Republic of Slovenia visited Slovenian soldiers at the military base in Ādaži

The Slovenian President and the Latvian Prime Minister had a pleasant conversation and confirmed the good relations between the two countries. They also discussed ways of strengthening bilateral relations, and the current situation in Europe and the rest of the world.

The President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Slovenian Armed Forces then visited the military base in Ādaži, where a Slovenian Armed Forces contingent is deployed in the framework of the NATO mission. On arrival, the President was received by the Commander of the 1st Latvian Brigade, the NATO Force Commander and the Commander of the 14th Slovenian Contingent.

President Pirc Musar was briefed by the representatives of the Command on the operation of the military base and the importance of NATO's presence in the Republic of Latvia. They outlined the security situation in the region and thanked the Slovenian troops for their contribution and the participation of the Republic of Slovenia in the Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) mission.

The Slovenian Armed Forces are participating in the mission in Latvia with a contingent of 57 personnel. SAF members are participating in the peacekeeping activities of the eFP. By participating in the eFP in Latvia, Slovenia confirms its position as a supportive, responsible and credible NATO member, making a visible and concrete contribution to ensuring security and strengthening the allied stance. The good cooperation between the Slovenian Armed Forces and the military forces of the other countries participating in the eFP mission further strengthens bilateral relations and ties between these countries. In this context, the Slovenian President welcomed in particular the members of the armed forces of Montenegro and North Macedonia participating in the Slovenian contingent, and expressed her satisfaction that the joint contingent of the three armies is an example of excellent regional cooperation and thus also an example of good practice for other countries.

After the meeting with the commanders, President Pirc Musar met with the SAF members and expressed her sincere appreciation for their highly motivated, professional and dedicated work in ensuring international peace and security. She noted that in just over six years this mission has proved to be a success for its members and the alliance. “Your professional work represents the Republic of Slovenia and strengthens its reputation in the international environment. At the same time, by participating in this mission, you are demonstrating Slovenia's solidarity with other allies,” the President emphasised, adding that this is also affirmed by our allies and partners.

“In Latvia, together with the armed forces of the other participating allies, you play a very important role, strengthening not only Latvian and regional security, but the security of the alliance as a whole. This is particularly important in the light of the situation in Ukraine,” the President pointed out.

Pirc Musar expressed her sincere thanks and admiration to the members of the Slovenian Armed Forces who will not be spending the upcoming holidays with their families and loved ones. She also expressed her gratitude to the families of the servicemen and women who are accepting their extended absence from home with understanding. “I wish you a peaceful and enjoyable Christmas and New Year holidays and, above all, a safe and secure performance of your duties,” the President concluded her address to the SAF members.

Tomorrow, the President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Slovenian Armed Forces will also visit SAF members who are taking part in the NATO Multinational Battle Group at the Lešť military base in Slovakia.