Riga Simplifies NATO Navy Access to Latvian Territorial Waters - Statement

Latvia's government has approved new rules simplifying procedures for the access of NATO navy ships into the country's territorial waters, the government's press service said Tuesday.

RIGA (Sputnik) — According to the statement, the move comes due to changes in the security situation in Europe.

A shift in circumstances as well as Latvia's commitments as a member of NATO makes quick NATO access to Latvia’s waters preferable, the country's Defense Ministry said earlier, adding that the new procedures applied to both training drills and real critical situations.

Latvia's previous rules for territorial water access by foreign ships were adopted in 2010. The rules stipulated a complex procedure involving a Foreign Ministry permission involving engagement with three other ministries as well as the Latvian National Armed Forces.

Latvia has been a member of NATO since 2004. Russia has repeatedly warned that increased NATO presence close to its borders is provocative and poses a threat to regional and international stability.