NATO has committed more than EUR 160 million towards the development of a military port in Liepaja, located on the western coast of Latvia, the country’s Defense Minister Andris Sprūds announced.
The development project, centered around the Karosta district, will see the construction of new docks, alongside the enhancement of auxiliary infrastructure and dredging operations to deepen the port’s basin.
Defense Minister Sprūds highlighted the project’s importance for Latvia, stating that it will “significantly improve Latvia’s ability to host NATO forces.”🇱🇻 announced NATO granted €160 million for investments in military port infrastructure in Liepāja. New piers and support infrastructure will be built, and bed deepening will be carried out.https://t.co/8OXEK2WNtg pic.twitter.com/nACzFd56fu
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Although the Defense Ministry has yet to disclose further details about the project, the Prime Minister's discussions in Liepaja with officials from the National Armed Forces Headquarters and the Navy underscore the strategic importance of this investment.
Bolstering Lavia’s defenses
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina, who visited Liepaja on Friday, assessed that NATO’s decision to fund the port’s expansion will not only bolster the country’s defense capabilities but also contribute substantially to the city’s economy.
Silina praised Liepaja’s steady development trajectory, emphasizing the importance of supporting investment projects, streamlining bureaucratic processes, and fostering competitive education to support the development of the military port in Karosta.
She also noted the city’s vibrant culture, tourism, and manufacturing sectors, underlining the critical role of strategic investments and reduced bureaucracy in advancing the city’s infrastructure.
Karosta, established in the 19th century as a fortress and military port, served as a closed area and base for the Soviet Baltic Fleet during the USSR era. With Liepaja being Latvia’s third-largest city, the project is expected to mark a significant milestone in its development.
In 2020, the Defense Ministry announced plans to establish a military base in Liepaja, covering an area of 35 hectares, as part of Latvia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its defense infrastructure and capabilities.
Bolstering Lavia’s defenses
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina, who visited Liepaja on Friday, assessed that NATO’s decision to fund the port’s expansion will not only bolster the country’s defense capabilities but also contribute substantially to the city’s economy.
Silina praised Liepaja’s steady development trajectory, emphasizing the importance of supporting investment projects, streamlining bureaucratic processes, and fostering competitive education to support the development of the military port in Karosta.
She also noted the city’s vibrant culture, tourism, and manufacturing sectors, underlining the critical role of strategic investments and reduced bureaucracy in advancing the city’s infrastructure.
Karosta, established in the 19th century as a fortress and military port, served as a closed area and base for the Soviet Baltic Fleet during the USSR era. With Liepaja being Latvia’s third-largest city, the project is expected to mark a significant milestone in its development.
In 2020, the Defense Ministry announced plans to establish a military base in Liepaja, covering an area of 35 hectares, as part of Latvia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its defense infrastructure and capabilities.
Source: PAP, baltictimes.com
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