Activation of the NATO command in Latvia proves the readiness of the allies to strengthen Latvia's security, said Latvian Defense Minister Raimonds Bergmanis.

The Latvian Defense Ministry reported the NATO Force Integration Unit (FIU) had been activated with necessary support for its operations.

"Activation of the NATO command elements in Latvia proves the presence of the allies in Latvia and their resolution to strengthen security of our country, as well as demonstrates visibility of the NATO collective defense principle," said Bergmanis.

"We will ensure all the necessary support to guarantee that in case of crisis the NATO command unit can deploy any force units in the Latvian territory," he added.

NATO command centers officially started operating in six Eastern European countries, including Latvia, Bulgaria, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania, on Tuesday.

Around 40 officers will serve at each of the FIU set up by NATO to facilitate rapid deployment of the NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force and to coordinate international exercises. Endit

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