On 3 September 2026, the NATO Defense College (NDC) welcomed Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Ms Baiba Braže, who visited the College to deliver a lecture to Senior Course 149 and NATO Regional Cooperation Course 36. During her visit, Minister Braže also met with the NDC Commandant, Lieutenant General Jérôme Goisque, who recently assumed command, and the NDC Dean, Dr Suzanne Nielsen.
Drawing on her extensive experience in international affairs and her former role as NATO Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy, Minister Braže addressed the Course Members on “Strategic Leadership and the Future of NATO: Latvia’s Perspective.” The lecture was followed by a Q&A session moderated by the Director of the Research Division, Dr Florence Gaub, providing Course Members with an opportunity to engage with the Minister under the Chatham House Rule. Discussions delved into NATO’s continued adaptation and revitalization in response to an evolving strategic environment, the importance of a strong transatlantic bond and Latvia’s commitment to NATO’s core values, with security highlighted as the foundation for peace and prosperity.
Minister Braže’s return to the College marked another chapter in her long-standing connection with the NDC. She previously attended the 2014 Generals, Flag Officers and Ambassadors’ Course and has delivered multiple lectures at the College. She was also a member of the 52nd Academic Advisory Board. The AAB reviews the College’s direction and provides strategic guidance to the Commandant on its future course, helping ensure that the NDC’s educational, research and engagement activities remain aligned with NATO’s strategic objectives.
The Minister was accompanied by H.E. Ms Elita Gavele, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to the Italian Republic; Mr Artjoms Uršuļskis, Head of the Office of the Minister; and Ms Aelita Čākure, First Secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in Italy.
Recently, the NDC has deepened its engagement with Latvia through its Field Studies. In 2025, Senior Course 146 travelled to Riga, where Course Members examined how Latvia’s history, geography and regional priorities shape the country’s approach to NATO and collective defence.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Britt Melinga, NLD C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN