U.S. Special Envoy For Belarus John Cole Visited Latvia
- 17.09.2026, 18:47
There, he planned to discuss the resumption of Belarusian potash shipments to the United States.
U.S. Special Envoy for Belarus John Cole visited Riga on September 17, where he met with Latvia’s prime minister, foreign minister, and head of the border guard service. This was reported by the U.S. Embassy in Latvia.
Cole traveled to the Latvian capital to “learn more about the security challenges facing Latvia’s eastern border” and to discuss opportunities for cooperation between the U.S. and Latvia.
During the meeting with Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, special attention was paid to security operations along Latvia’s border with Belarus and Russia, countering “illegal migration organized by the Belarusian regime,” as well as U.S. efforts to secure the release of political prisoners in Belarus.
“The United States is a strategic ally of Latvia and an important partner. We highly value the U.S. military presence in Latvia and the practical support in defending our eastern border. By strengthening Latvia’s border, we strengthen the security of the entire European Union and NATO,” emphasized Andris Kulbergs.
Andris Kulbergs also welcomed the release of 25 Belarusian political prisoners, but noted that “no significant improvements” have been observed in the actions of the Belarusian regime.
“The regime continues its repression of society, supports Russian aggression against Ukraine, and uses migration as a tool of hybrid warfare. Therefore, Latvia considers it necessary to maintain political and sanctions pressure and supports the expansion and strengthening of EU sanctions. During the meeting, the prime minister also reaffirmed Latvia’s interest in deepening economic cooperation with the U.S. and attracting new American investment,” the prime minister’s office noted.
The day before, in comments to The New York Times, Cole noted that Washington hopes the European Union will allow Belarus to resume potash fertilizer shipments through Lithuania, which would help lower global prices.
“The potash deal is in very good shape to ensure shipments from Belarus to the U.S.—which is exactly what President Trump wants. Today I met with the President of Lithuania, and tomorrow I will meet with the President of Latvia to secure a coordinated position among all parties,” Cole said on September 16.
As a reminder, following John Cole’s latest visit to Minsk on September 16, 25 political prisoners were released. They were sent by bus to Lithuania.