All the Baltic countries have been steadfast in support of allies of the United States since they gained their independence following the fall of the Soviet Union and have continued to be supportive in the ongoing war on terror.

In this quote, John Shimkus, a U.S. Congressman, emphasizes the consistent and unwavering support of the Baltic countries for the United States and its allies. He notes that since these countries—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—gained their independence following the fall of the Soviet Union, they have been reliable partners in international relations. This support has extended into the ongoing war on terror, highlighting the continued cooperation between the U.S. and the Baltic states in the post-Cold War and post-9/11 eras.

Shimkus points to the historical context of the Baltic countries' independence, which came after decades of Soviet occupation. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, these countries sought to strengthen their sovereignty and align themselves with Western institutions like NATO and the European Union. By doing so, they solidified their commitment to democratic values and became steadfast allies of the United States in various global conflicts, including the war on terror that began after the 9/11 attacks.

The origin of this quote lies in the broader geopolitical shift that occurred after the Cold War. The Baltic nations, once part of the Soviet bloc, transitioned to independent democracies and aligned themselves with Western powers. Shimkus, as a member of Congress, often advocates for strong U.S. alliances with countries that share common values, and his quote reflects the enduring nature of these partnerships in the face of global security challenges, particularly the war on terror.

In essence, Shimkus’s quote highlights the long-standing and steadfast commitment of the Baltic countries to support the United States and its allies in the pursuit of global security. Their support, dating back to their regained independence from the Soviet Union, has been instrumental in maintaining democratic values and international stability, especially in the context of the ongoing fight against terrorism.