Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus completed a two-day visit to Latvia June 18.

The visit centered around discussions of NATO and regional security issues with senior Latvian government and military officials.

While in Latvia, Mabus met with Latvian Defense Minister Raimonds Vjonis, Chief of Defense Lieutenant General Raimonds Graube and Commander of the Latvian Naval Forces Captain Juris Roze.

During these meetings, Mabus expressed appreciation for Latvian participation in multinational exercises Open Spirit, BALTOPS, Saber Strike and Summer Shield.

"Strong military cooperation is a critical element of our dynamic partnership and we look forward to continuing to strengthen this relationship in the future," said Mabus.

Opportunities for future joint military exercises were also discussed during engagements with Latvian officials.

The visit to Latvia also offered Mabus the chance to meet with Marines stationed at the U.S. embassy in Riga.

Mabus' stop in Latvia is part of a multi-nation visit to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility to meet with Sailors and Marines and civilian and military officials.

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