The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
September 03, 2014

Dr. Jill Biden to Travel to the United Kingdom and Switzerland

Dr. Jill Biden will travel to the United Kingdom and Switzerland from September 12th to September 16th. During her visit to London, Dr. Biden will join athletes representing the United States at the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans. This is part of Dr. Biden’s ongoing efforts through the Joining Forces initiative to raise awareness and show appreciation for veterans, service members and their families.  

Dr. Biden will then travel to Winterthur, Switzerland to deliver a keynote address at the International Congress on Vocational and Professional Education and Training. Dr. Biden’s remarks will highlight the Obama-Biden Administration’s commitment to higher education and job training programs to ensure American workers have the skills they need to succeed in the global economy.

Additional details on Dr. Biden’s trip are forthcoming.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 03, 2014

Statement by the Press Secretary

Today, CVS took a significant step in stopping the sale of tobacco products in their stores and kicking off a smoking-cessation campaign.

As one of our country’s largest retailers and pharmacies, the newly-named CVS Health is setting a powerful example that we hope others in the industry will follow.

CVS’s actions will not only help Americans across the country who are trying to quit smoking, it will also help ensure that when families go to their neighborhood pharmacy, they can get the information and support they need to live healthy lives, which can contribute to driving down health care costs.

The President has made creating a tobacco-free generation a top priority.  These efforts include signing the landmark Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which gave the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authority over tobacco products; expanding tobacco cessation coverage and making new investments in prevention campaigns through the Affordable Care Act; and increasing the cost of cigarettes through a federal excise tax increase in the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act. 

And 50 years after the Surgeon General's landmark Report on Smoking and Health, we have reduced smoking rates by half.  However, our work is far from done, and today’s announcement by CVS Health is an important step forward in improving the health and lives of millions of Americans.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 03, 2014

FACT SHEET: U.S. Support and Reassurance Initiatives for the Baltics and Central Europe

For more than two decades, the United States has worked together with its Baltic and Central European Allies to advance our common defense and security goals in support of a Europe whole, free, and at peace. The United States has taken action, both bilaterally and through NATO, to reassure Allies of our solemn commitment to their security and territorial integrity and to show how seriously we take our NATO Article 5 collective defense obligations. A persistent, rotational U.S. air, land, and sea presence in the region is a necessary and appropriate show of support to Allies who are now deeply concerned by Russia’s military intervention in Crimea and its efforts to destabilize Ukraine. 

The United States stands by its Allies, as they have stood by us – our Baltic and Central European Allies have contributed robustly and bravely to Alliance operations in Afghanistan and elsewhere.  We look forward to discussing how to further enhance reassurance, readiness and deterrence at the September 4-5 NATO Summit in Wales, and will continue to take actions that increase the capability, readiness, and responsiveness of NATO forces.  That is why the President has called on Congress to support a European Reassurance Initiative of up to $1 billion, which will enable us in the next year to undertake measures to:

  • Increase U.S. military presence in Europe;
  • Conduct additional bilateral and multilateral exercises and training with Allies and partners;
  • Improve infrastructure to allow for greater responsiveness;
  • Enhance prepositioning of U.S. equipment in Europe;
  • Intensify efforts to build partner capacity for new NATO Allies and other partners;
  • Strengthen the capacity of non-NATO partners.

New U.S. Measures

  • Land Force Deployments:  In April, approximately 600 paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade deployed for training rotations in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland to enhance ongoing military-to-military relationships and demonstrate assurance of America's commitment to its NATO Allies.  These exercises are part of a series of expanded American land force training activities with European partners that are scheduled to take place over the next few months and beyond.

United States Ongoing / Steady State Measures

  • U.S. Force Presence:  There are approximately 67,000 service members in Europe.  Approximately 57,000 active duty service members are assigned to U.S. European Command, and approximately 10,000 support other organizations, such as U.S. Africa Command.
  • NATO Response Force (NRF) Commitment:  The United States has pledged several thousand service members to the NRF, including a brigade combat team from the Texas-based 1st Cavalry Division, a hospital ship, air-to-air refueling tankers, and escort ships.
  • Army Rotational Forces:  The United States sends a battalion-sized unit from the United States to Europe twice a year for up to two months per rotation.  One of these battalions recently participated in NRF exercise ROCHAMBEAU in France and is currently participating in U.S. European Command-hosted multinational exercise COMBINED RESOLVE II.  Additionally, elements of the unit participated in NATO Exercise STEADFAST JAZZ this past November.
  • U.S. National Guard Partnership: Since 1993 U.S. National Guard forces have partnered with their counterparts in the Baltic states, an initiative that has since expanded and now includes programs across almost all of Eastern Europe.  We attach great value to these enduring partnerships, which have enhanced mutual understanding between our forces and improved our ability to operate together in the field. 
  • Exercises in the Baltic Sea:  The United States sent U.S. Marines from the Black Sea Rotational Force to the Baltics this April to participate in exercise SUMMER SHIELD.  U.S. forces participated in exercises NAMEJS and FLAMING SWORD in Latvia and Lithuania, respectively, in May and participated in multilateral exercises BALTOPS and SABER STRIKE in the Baltic region in June.  The United States deployed 18 F-16CJs and one KC-135 tanker to Łask Air Base, Poland, concurrent with the SABER STRIKE and BALTOPS exercise.  BALTOPS is an annual, multinational maritime exercise focusing on interoperability, maritime security, and cooperation among Baltic Sea regional partners.  SABER STRIKE is an annual, multinational ground and air exercise focused on enhancing interoperability among U.S. Army units and the land forces of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

NATO Measures

  • New Exercises:  NATO launched a large-scale exercise, STEADFAST JAVELIN 1, in Estonia on May 16, which tested Allied forces on their ability to work together as well as maintaining NATO’s readiness and combat effectiveness.  The exercise reflects NATO’s strong commitment to collective defense in the Baltic region.  Around 6,000 troops from Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United States participated in the eight day exercise.  Many participants were already in Estonia taking part in the annual Estonian-led KEVADTORM14 exercise that began on May 5 and that was merged into the NATO-led event.  From September 3-9, troops from the United States, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Canada, and Italy will conduct a series of exercises in multiple locations in all three Baltic countries as part of the STEADFAST JAVELIN series of exercises.  
  • AWACS:  On March 10, the North Atlantic Council approved establishing AWACS orbits over Poland and Romania to enhance NATO’s situational awareness of activities in the region and to reassure NATO Allies.  These aircraft will only fly over NATO territory and will come from the NATO fleet and Allied contributions.
  • Standing Naval Forces:  In late April, NATO activated Standing NATO Mine Counter-Measures Group One and sent it to patrol the Baltic Sea.  The group, which consists of six ships from Belgium, Estonia, Germany, The Netherlands, Norway, and Poland, is conducting port visits and participated in an annual mine clearance operation (NATO naval exercise OPEN SPIRIT 2014).  On May 12, NATO tasked its augmented Standing NATO Maritime Group One to perform maritime assurance measures alongside counter-terrorism patrols in the eastern Mediterranean.  The group includes five ships from Canada, Germany, Norway, Turkey, and the United States.
  • Revised Planning:  NATO is reviewing its plans and posture and is developing a Readiness Action Plan that includes a review of joint exercises, threat assessments, intelligence-sharing arrangements, early-warning procedures, and crisis response planning.  Allied leaders will discuss the Readiness Action Plan at the Wales Summit.
  • Support to Ukraine:  At NATO’s Foreign Ministerial in April, Allies agreed upon a number of measures to strengthen NATO’s partnership with Ukraine and support democratic reforms.  Measures included an increased engagement with the Ukrainian civilian and military leadership.  President Obama along with other Allied leaders will meet with Ukraine’s President Poroshenko during a formal session of the NATO-Ukraine Commission at the Wales Summit to discuss further enhancing the NATO-Ukraine partnership.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 03, 2014

FACT SHEET: The United States and Lithuania - NATO Allies and Global Partners

President Obama, Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė, and Latvian President Andris Bērziņš participated in a joint meeting hosted by Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves in Tallinn on September 3.  Their discussions underscored the close ties between the United States and the Baltic states, which are grounded in our shared values, ideals, and interests. 

The leaders highlighted ongoing cooperation in the following areas:

Defense and Security Cooperation

  • Operation ATLANTIC RESOLVE:  In light of the Russian military intervention in Ukraine, the United States is demonstrating its continued commitment to collective security through a series of actions designed to reassure NATO Allies and partners of America's dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region.  As a first response to demonstrate our commitment to the defense of our Allies, the U.S. augmented its participation in Baltic Air Policing by sending an additional six F-15s to the NATO mission.  Under operation ATLANTIC RESOLVE, U.S. Army Europe forces have deployed to Lithuania, along with other Allies in the region, to conduct land forces training.  U.S. and Lithuanian troops participate in a range of other joint and multilateral exercises, including SABER STRIKE, BALTOPS, and STEADFAST JAZZ.  Lithuanian soldiers and defense personnel also receive technical training and strategic education in the United States.
  • NATO Allies:  As NATO Allies, the United States and Lithuania are committed to each other’s security and stand together in critical crisis areas worldwide.  Lithuania has made valuable contributions to NATO operations since 1994, ten years before it became a member of NATO.  Additionally, Vilnius hosts the NATO Energy Security Center of Excellence, which advises NATO on all aspects of energy security.  Lithuania has also hosted the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission at its airbase in Siauliai since 2004.
  • The State Partnership Program:  For over 20 years, Lithuania has enjoyed a productive partnership with the Pennsylvania National Guard.  The program has brought hundreds of Pennsylvania National Guard personnel together with their Lithuanian counterparts to strengthen a wide range of Lithuanian capabilities, including planning, crisis management, and civilian-military disaster response.  Pennsylvania National Guard troops have partnered with Lithuanian troops to advance our joint efforts in Afghanistan.
  • Afghanistan:  Lithuania is a stalwart supporter of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan and has committed to continue supporting NATO’s post-2014 non-combat mission.  Lithuania deployed at its peak nearly 273 troops, including Special Operations Forces and trainers to Afghanistan.  From 2005 until 2013, Lithuania led a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Ghor province.  Lithuania has pledged $500,000 annually from 2015 to 2017 to support the Afghan National Security Forces.  The city of Klaipeda is also a key port along the Northern Distribution Network, which facilitates the transport of materiel to coalition troops in Afghanistan and serves as a retrograde route for materiel leaving the theater.
  • Nuclear Security:  At the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul, Lithuania announced its commitment to strengthen its contribution to the global effort on non-proliferation and nuclear security and opened a Nuclear Security Center of Excellence in Medininkai.  In April 2013, the U.S. Secretary of State and Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs strengthened the countries’ partnership to combat nuclear terrorism by signing a joint action plan to protect against nuclear and radiological smuggling.

Diplomatic Cooperation and Global Development

  • Development Cooperation:  The majority of Lithuania’s bilateral assistance goes to Afghanistan, where Vilnius has contributed more than $7 million since 2006.  In addition, Lithuania actively seeks to support democratization elsewhere around the world, using its own transition experience as a model for others.  Through the Emerging Donors Challenge Program, Lithuania and the United States have co-financed a range of foreign assistance activities in the EU’s Eastern Partnership states, including Armenia, Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine.  Lithuania has also joined multilateral efforts to support democratization in the Middle East and North Africa. 
  • Eastern Partnership:  Lithuania has consistently placed the Eastern Partnership among its top foreign policy priorities, including during its 2013 EU Presidency, when it hosted the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius.  Lithuania has been a strong supporter of Ukraine’s new government and among the most vocal in pressing for a strong response to Russia’s illegal actions in Ukraine.  Lithuania and the United States support the Belarusian European Humanities University, which has been based in Vilnius since it was expelled from Minsk in 2004. 
  • Global Cooperation:  Lithuania has been a strong ally in advancing human rights and democratic values around the world.  During its 2010-2011 Presidency of the Community of Democracies, Lithuania helped establish the Democracy Partnership Challenge, which aims to channel financial and technical assistance to select emerging democracies.  In 2011, Lithuania chaired the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe, focusing on the promotion of energy security in Europe as well as democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms, notably freedom of the media, worldwide.  On the security front, Lithuanian seamen are deployed to the EU-led anti-piracy Operation ATALANTA off the coast of Somalia to protect a World Food Program-chartered vessel transporting food from Kenya to Somalia.

Economic, Energy, and Environmental Cooperation

  • Energy Security:  Lithuania is rapidly moving to reduce energy dependence on a single supplier.  Its energy strategy aims to increase both energy efficiency and energy diversification through the development of nuclear, LNG, renewable, and unconventional energy.  Lithuania is also working to promote competition, interconnection, and investment in the local and EU energy markets.  This winter, Lithuania will inaugurate a new LNG import terminal at the port of Klaipeda.  In 2015, electricity connections with Poland and Sweden are scheduled to come online.  We are also working closely with Lithuania to share best practices in the sustainable development of unconventional hydrocarbon resources.  Together, these projects will greatly enhance Lithuania’s energy security.
  • Trade, Investment, and Jobs:  Trade between the United States and Lithuania exceeded $2.4 billion in 2013.  The government of Lithuania supports the U.S.-EU Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) negotiations.  T-TIP aims to boost economic growth in the United States and in the EU and add to the more than 13 million American and EU jobs already supported by transatlantic trade and investment. The Lithuanian Government  adopted an Action Plan in September 2013, highlighting its political commitment to adopt OECD standards and contribute to policy discussions in OECD Committees.  

Educational and Cultural Ties

  • Educational Exchange Programs:  Since 1992, the United States has awarded Fulbright fellowships to more than 170 outstanding scholars and students from Lithuania to study and conduct research in the United States.  Additionally, in the past 20 years, more than 180 U.S. Fulbright scholars and students have conducted research and lectured at universities in Lithuania.  Lithuania also participates in the Exchanges in Culture, Education, and Leadership (ExCEL) program, a public-private partnership that sends students from Lithuania to the United States for a year of study in an American high school.
  • Cultural Programs:  Lithuania has hosted many American cultural events, including numerous jazz festivals and an annual American country music festival in Visaginas.  A robust series of cultural exchanges between the United States and Lithuania in the fields of music and the arts have strengthened ties between American and Lithuanian societies.
  • Professional Exchange Programs:  Since 1991, 445 Lithuanians have participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), the Department of State’s premier professional exchange program, which brings current and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of fields to the United States to experience this country firsthand and cultivate lasting relationships with their American counterparts.  The current President of Lithuania, Dalia Grybauskaitė, is an IVLP alumna.  In addition, approximately 1,245 Lithuanians took part in privately funded exchange programs with the United States last year, including the Summer Work Travel, Intern, College and University Student, and Secondary Student programs.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 03, 2014

FACT SHEET: The United States and Estonia - NATO Allies and Global Partners

President Obama met with Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Estonian Prime Minister Tavi Roivas in Tallinn, Estonia on September 3.  The visit reinforced the close ties between the United States and Estonia, which are rooted in our shared values, ideals, and interests. 

The leaders highlighted ongoing cooperation in the following areas:

Defense and Security Cooperation

  • Operation ATLANTIC RESOLVE:  In light of the Russian military intervention in Ukraine, the United States is demonstrating its continued commitment to collective security through a series of actions designed to reassure NATO Allies and partners of America's dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region.  As a first response to demonstrate our commitment to the defense of our Allies, the U.S. augmented its participation in Baltic Air Policing by sending an additional six F-15s to the NATO mission.  Under operation ATLANTIC RESOLVE, U.S. Army Europe forces have deployed to Estonia, along with other Allies in the region, to conduct land forces training.  U.S. and Estonian troops participate in a range of other joint and multilateral exercises, including SABER STRIKE, BALTOPS, and STEADFAST JAZZ.  Estonian soldiers and defense personnel also receive technical training and strategic education in the United States.
  • NATO Allies:  As NATO Allies, the United States and Estonia are committed to each other’s defense and partner in critical areas around the world.  Estonian and U.S. troops have a long history of operational deployments in countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan.  Estonia hosts the NATO Cyber Security Center of Excellence and further demonstrates its commitment to transatlantic security as one of only a few NATO Allies that meet the NATO benchmark of spending at least two percent of GDP on defense.
  • The State Partnership Program:  Estonia’s military maintains an active relationship with the Maryland National Guard through the State Partnership Program.  The two have worked jointly to train Estonian helicopter pilots to support medical evacuation efforts in Afghanistan.
  • Afghanistan:  Estonia is a stalwart supporter of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan and has committed to continue supporting NATO’s post-2014 non-combat mission.  In addition to providing $1.3 million in development assistance to Afghanistan in 2013, Estonia has pledged $500,000 annually from 2015 to 2017 to support the Afghan National Security Forces.  Tallinn is also a key port along the Northern Distribution Network, which facilitates the transport of materiel to coalition troops in Afghanistan and serves as a retrograde route for materiel leaving the theater.
  • Cybersecurity:  In December 2013, the United States and Estonia signed the U.S.-Estonia Cyber Partnership Statement on the margins of the NATO Ministerial meeting. This Statement affirms our commitment to continue working together to enhance open, interoperable, secure, and reliable information and communications infrastructure and to prioritize openness and innovation on the Internet. The United States and Estonia will continue to deepen their cooperation on Internet freedom and they will continue to develop shared programs that shape the evolution and use of the Internet.  Estonian and American Computer Emergency Readiness Teams are in regular contact to respond to cyber incidents.  Estonia also hosts the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence, which serves as a repository of expertise on cybersecurity issues.

Diplomatic Cooperation and Global Development

  • Development Cooperation:  Estonia has drawn on its transition experiences and cyber expertise to provide specialized development assistance in cybersecurity and the use of information technology to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery in the public sector.  In addition to partnering with the U.S. government to support development projects in Moldova and Georgia through the Department of State’s Emerging Donor Challenge Fund, Estonia mentors Eastern Partnership countries and other emerging democracies through the Tallinn-based e-Governance Center.  
  • Internet Freedom:  Estonia is a close partner in the Freedom Online Coalition, a group of governments collaborating to advance Internet freedom.  Estonia hosted the 2014 ministerial in Tallinn in April.  The United States and Estonia are also donors to the Digital Defenders Partnership, which provides emergency support for Internet users in repressive environments who are under threat for peacefully exercising their rights online.  The United States and Estonia co-chair the Leaders Engaged in New Democracies (LEND) network, a groundbreaking technology platform that connects key leaders in young democracies with experts on democratization from around the world.  Working under the auspices of the Community of Democracies, LEND leverages expertise from world leaders including former presidents, prime ministers, and supreme court justices to support transitions and democratic gains in dozens of countries.

Economic, Energy, and Environmental Cooperation

  • Energy Security:  Estonia enjoys a high degree of energy self-sufficiency due to its large domestic oil shale reserves, from which the country derives approximately 91 percent of its electricity.  In 2011, the United States and Estonia signed an Oil Shale Cooperation Agreement to promote research in this area. 
  • Trade, Investment, and Jobs:  Bilateral trade in goods with Estonia was $700 million in 2013.  Estonia is increasing the pace of its engagement with the United States in the technology sector; the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Director visited Estonia in August and engaged with tech companies and start-ups.  The government of Estonia has expressed strong support for the U.S.-EU Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) negotiations.  T-TIP aims to boost economic growth in the United States and in the EU and add to the more than 13 million American and EU jobs already supported by transatlantic trade and investment.  Estonia joined the OECD in 2010.

Educational and Cultural Ties:

  • Educational Exchange Programs:  The Fulbright program in Estonia was inaugurated in 1992.  Since then, more than 180 Estonians have been educated, taught, or performed research in the United States through the Fulbright Program.  In the past 22 years, more than 170 U.S. Fulbright students and scholars have studied, researched, or taught classes in Estonia.
  • Cultural Programs:  Annual festivals such as the jazz festival, Jazzkaar (Jazz Arch), and the Black Nights Film Festival, which features North American independent films, highlight the rich cultural ties between Estonia and the United States. Arts-based cultural exchanges in the areas of music, literature and the humanities, and museum communities have strengthened ties between American and Estonian societies.
  • Professional Exchange Programs:  Since 1991, more than 500 Estonians have participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), the Department of State’s premier professional exchange program, which brings current and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of fields to the United States to experience this country firsthand and cultivate lasting relationships with their American counterparts.  In addition, approximately 670 Estonians took part in privately funded professional exchanges with the United States this year, including the Summer Work Travel, Intern, Short Term Scholar, and Au Pair programs.
  • Science Cooperation:  The United States and Estonia signed a bilateral Science and Technology Agreement in 2008 that prioritized collaboration on environmental and biodiversity protection, marine science, energy, space, HIV/AIDS, engineering, and sustainable development.  Estonia and the United States are also jointly engaged in the GLOBE (Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment) program.  Currently, 79 Estonian schools collect data on soil, biometrics, and hydrology that they upload to a NASA website for use by U.S. researchers.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 03, 2014

FACT SHEET: The United States and Latvia - NATO Allies and Global Partners

President Obama, Latvian President Andris Bērziņš, and Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė participated in a joint meeting hosted by Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves in Tallinn on September 3.  Their discussions underscored the close ties between the United States and the Baltic states, which are grounded in our shared values, ideals, and interests. 

The leaders highlighted ongoing cooperation in the following areas:

Defense and Security Cooperation

  • Operation ATLANTIC RESOLVE:  In light of the Russian military intervention in Ukraine, the United States is demonstrating its continued commitment to collective security through a series of actions designed to reassure NATO Allies and partners of America's dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region.  As a first response to demonstrate our commitment to the defense of our Allies, the U.S. augmented its participation in Baltic Air Policing by sending an additional six F-15s to the NATO mission.  Under operation ATLANTIC RESOLVE, U.S. Army Europe forces have deployed to Latvia, along with other Allies in the region, to conduct land forces training.  U.S. and Latvian troops participate in a range of other joint and multilateral exercises, including SABER STRIKE, BALTOPS, and STEADFAST JAZZ.  Latvian soldiers and defense personnel also receive technical training and strategic education in the United States.
  • NATO Allies:  As NATO allies, the United States and Latvia are committed to each other’s defense and partner in critical areas around the world.  Latvia contributes important capabilities to the Alliance’s collective security, including the training of U.S.-certified joint terminal attack controllers (JTAC) who coordinate air support for ground units during operations. 
  • The State Partnership Program:  Latvia has partnered with the Michigan National Guard since 1993.  The program has brought together hundreds of Guard personnel and their Latvian counterparts through training and outreach activities.  Latvia and the Michigan National Guard are also joint providers of military assistance to Liberia through a program to train non-commissioned officers. 
  • Afghanistan:  Latvia is a stalwart supporter of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan and has committed to continue supporting NATO’s post-2014 non-combat mission.  Latvia contributed to a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Faryab province and was deployed to the Nordic-Baltic Task Force in Mazar-e-Sharif.  Additionally, Latvian Special Operations Forces continue to support the ISAF mission in Kabul.  Riga is a key transit point along the Northern Distribution Network, which facilitates the transport of materiel to coalition troops in Afghanistan and serves as a retrograde route for materiel leaving the theater.  Latvia has pledged $500,000 annually from 2015 to 2017 to support the Afghan National Security Forces.  
  • Cybersecurity:  The government of Latvia has recognized the danger of increased cyber threats and is working together with NATO, the European Union, the Baltic states, Nordic states, and the United States to strengthen its cybersecurity.  The United States supports Latvia’s efforts through visits by U.S. experts and Latvian participation in EUCOM- and NATO-sponsored events and U.S.-based training.  The government of Latvia is also a partner in the Freedom Online Coalition, a group of governments collaborating to advance Internet freedom. 

Diplomatic Cooperation and Global Development

  • Development Cooperation:  The United States and Latvia share interests in promoting democracy, development and the rule of law in Central Asia.  Through the Emerging Donors Challenge Fund, the United States and Latvia are co-financing a project in Uzbekistan to enhance export control and border security capabilities.  Through the Community of Democracies, the United States and Latvia are co-financing a project to promote human rights and build capacity to prevent domestic violence and support victims in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
  • Eastern Partnership:  Along with the United States, Latvia places great emphasis on assisting the EU’s Eastern Partnership countries and have highlighted it as one of their priorities for its EU presidency in 2015.  Latvia’s efforts in this area have included supporting land registration modernization in Azerbaijan; conducting border guard training in Belarus and Georgia, in conjunction with Estonia and Lithuania; and providing training to the Georgian armed forces.  Additionally, Latvia conducts economic development and rule of law projects in Moldova through the U.S.-Latvia Agreement on Supporting Justice Sector Reform in Moldova, which was signed in June 2012. 
  • Global Cooperation:  Latvia has been a strong ally in advancing human rights and democratic values around the world.  Latvia supports the work of the Lifeline: Embattled Civil Society Organizations Assistance Fund and has pledged to make a financial contribution.  Latvia has taken a leading role in encouraging democratic reforms and helping Eastern Partnership countries Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine integrate more fully into European institutions.  Latvia deploys seamen to the EU-led anti-piracy and anti-robbery Operation ATALANTA off the coast of Somalia and provides military training in Mali. 

Economic, Energy, and Environmental Cooperation

  • Energy Security:  Latvia actively pursues a national strategy of energy diversification.  A key portion of Latvia’s energy diversification strategy involves the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency.  With half of its territory covered by forests, wood biomass is one of the primary fields for development.  Latvian companies are pursuing U.S. technology and partnerships in wind power, biomass gasification, and waste energy solutions.  These efforts support the Latvian government’s commitment to produce 40 percent of total energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020.   
  • Trade, Investment, and Jobs:  Bilateral trade in goods between the United States and Latvia totaled $767 million in 2013.  Coal and petroleum gases, machinery, and vehicles are among the United States’ major exports to Latvia.  Recent partnerships between U.S. and Latvian businesses have been concentrated in the information technology, transportation and logistics, energy, and heavy industry sectors.  The government of Latvia has expressed strong support for the U.S.-EU Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) negotiations.  T-TIP aims to boost economic growth in the United States and in the EU and add to the more than 13 million U.S. and EU jobs already supported by transatlantic trade and investment.  In May 2013, Latvia was selected to receive a roadmap for membership in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. 

Educational and Cultural Ties

  • Educational and Professional Exchange Programs:  Since 1991, the United States has awarded Fulbright fellowships to 184 outstanding scholars and students from Latvia to study and conduct research in the United States, and 428  Latvians have participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program, the Department of State’s premier professional exchange program.   Additionally, in the past 20 years, more than 150 U.S. Fulbright scholars and students have conducted research and lectured at universities in Latvia.  Alumni of U.S. government exchange programs maintain a strong network, which includes government ministers, parliamentarians, journalists, artists, and educators.  This network actively develops projects based on their program experiences that advance entrepreneurship, women’s and youth empowerment, and engagement of underserved populations. 
  • Cultural Programs:  A robust series of cultural exchanges between the United States and Latvia in the fields of music, literature and humanities have strengthened ties between our two nations.  Latvians and Americans share a deep appreciation for music and art.  In 2013, the Boston Symphony Orchestra appointed internationally acclaimed Latvian conductor Andris Nelsons as its music director. In summer 2014, Riga hosted the World Choir Games with Latvian choirs winning top honors and the U.S. choirs earning the second highest number of awards.  As part of Riga’s tenure as the European Cultural Capital in 2014, the Embassy sponsored three major visual art exhibitions.  These include an exhibition by the Latvian-born American artist Vija Celmins in April, a major show by American photographer Mary Ellen Mark in May, and “Kennedy Family” photo exhibition by American photographer Mark Shaw in September. 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 02, 2014

Statement by the Press Secretary on Iraq

Today, the President authorized the Department of Defense to fulfill a Department of State request for approximately 350 additional U.S. military personnel to protect our diplomatic facilities and personnel in Baghdad, Iraq.  This action was taken at the recommendation of the Department of Defense after an extensive interagency review, and is part of the President's commitment to protect our personnel and facilities in Iraq as we continue to support the Government of Iraq in its fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).  These additional forces will not serve in a combat role. 

The President has made clear his commitment to doing whatever is required to provide the necessary security for U.S. personnel and facilities around the world.  The request he approved today will allow some previously deployed military personnel to depart Iraq, while at the same time providing a more robust, sustainable security force for our personnel and facilities in Baghdad. 

In addition to our efforts to protect our personnel, we will continue to support the Government of Iraq's efforts to counter ISIL, which poses a threat not only to Iraq, but to the broader Middle East and U.S. personnel and interests in the region.  The President will be consulting this week with NATO allies regarding additional actions to take against ISIL and to develop a broad-based international coalition to implement a comprehensive strategy to protect our people and to support our partners in the fight against ISIL.  As part of this effort, Secretary Kerry, Secretary Hagel, and President Obama’s counterterrorism advisor, Lisa Monaco, will be traveling separately to the region in the near-term to build a stronger regional partnership.

 

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
September 02, 2014

Readout of the Vice President's Call with Slovak President Andrej Kiska

Vice President Joe Biden spoke with Slovak President Andrej Kiska today about bilateral relations, the NATO summit, and the crisis in Ukraine.  The Vice President noted the strong bilateral relationship between Slovakia and the United States, and congratulated President Kiska on Slovakia’s Constitution Day on September 1.  The Vice President also reaffirmed the United States’ steadfast commitment to NATO’s collective defense under Article 5, and welcomed President Kiska’s support for strengthening the transatlantic relationship and for Slovakia’s contributions to NATO.  President Kiska noted that today the reverse flow of gas had begun between Slovakia and Ukraine, which can help Ukraine meet some of its energy needs.  The two leaders also discussed the need to continue to impose consequences on Russia for its aggressive acts in Ukraine.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 02, 2014

Statement by NSC Spokesperson Caitlin Hayden on National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice's Travel to China

From September 7-9, 2014, National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice will travel to Beijing, China, for meetings with senior Chinese officials, including State Councilor Yang Jiechi, to consult on a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues.  She will underscore the United States’ commitment to building a productive relationship between our two countries in advance of the President’s visit to China in November. 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 01, 2014

Statement by NSC Spokesperson Caitlin Hayden on the President's Authorization of Operations in Iraq

Today, consistent with the War Powers Resolution (WPR), the President transmitted to the Congress a report notifying the Congress that he had authorized U.S. Armed Forces to conduct targeted airstrikes in support of an operation to deliver humanitarian assistance to the town of Amirli, where thousands of Shia Turkomen have been cut off from receiving food, water, and medical supplies for two months by ISIL.

The United States Air Force delivered aid to the town of Amirli alongside aircraft from Australia, France and the United Kingdom, who also dropped much needed supplies.

This operation is consistent with the military missions we have outlined to date in Iraq – to protect U.S. personnel and facilities and to address the humanitarian situation on the ground.

These operations are limited in their nature, duration, and scope and are being undertaken in coordination with and at the request of the Government of Iraq.

The Administration will continue to consult with the Congress on the way forward in Iraq and our efforts against ISIL, and we will continue to provide appropriate reports to the Congress consistent with the War Powers Resolution.