Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a doubling of the troop numbers in Latvia, reported by UNIAN on July 10. Trudeau emphasised the commitment of NATO to strengthen its eastern flank.
"To enhance the combat group led by Canada in Latvia, an additional 1,200 troops will be deployed, expanding it to a robust combat brigade," said Trudeau.
His statement came during his visit to the military base in Adazi, Latvia, on July 10. Trudeau mentioned that $2.6 bn CAD ($2 bn USD) would be invested in weapons, reconnaissance, and cyber activities.
"We are here because European security is important for Canadian security," said Trudeau.
Canada has been leading the multinational NATO battle group in Latvia for six years and currently has over 700 troops stationed there. It is one of the four battle groups deployed along NATO's borders.
Since the annexation of Crimea by Russia, the Baltic states have been calling for a permanent increase in their multinational forces to deter any potential Russian aggression.
Canada's decision comes after the acceptance of Germany's Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer's long-anticipated statement in June, in which she announced Germany's readiness to deploy a permanent brigade of over 4,000 troops in Lithuania, although the process may take several years.
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