RMIT University welcomes the Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister to discuss opportunities to expand international collaboration and research in the areas of hybrid security threats

On Tuesday 3rd September, the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency, Baiba Braže, visited RMIT University as a part of her trip to Australia.

The visit to RMIT University was an opportunity to discuss research in the domains of cyber security, technology, hybrid threats and the ways in which Australia can work with Latvia to advance our international research collaboration.

Her Excellency, Baiba Braže, was welcomed on campus by Prof Sherman Young, RMIT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Education and Vice-President. Prof Young said “On behalf of the university it was an honour to welcome Foreign Minister Baiba Braze and delegates to RMIT University”. “This visit marks a milestone in strengthening the ties between Australia and Europe. By fostering collaboration and advancing education and research initiatives, we are paving the way for innovative solutions and shared knowledge that will benefit both regions., he added.

While at RMIT University, Her Excellency delivered a talk, which was broadcast live to industry, students, the RMIT community and Latvian community, in relation to hybrid security threats and the lessons that Australia and Latvia can learn from one another. Although the Republic of Latvia and the Commonwealth of Australia could not be geographically further apart, the security challenges we face are remarkably intertwined and often, similar. Among them, we continue to see a proliferation of hybrid threats, aimed at destabilising our societies, interfering in democratic processes, and undermining our collective ability to withstand crises.

Also in attendance was Prof Mathews Nkhoma, Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Strategy, International & Engagement within the RMIT College of Business and Law. Prof Nkhoma said “International relationships and joint initiatives on hybrid threats with the Baltic region offer immense opportunities for mutual growth and learning”.

The Minister’s talk was followed by a talk from Professor Matthew Warren, Director of the RMIT Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation, and leading Australian researcher in the field of hybrid threats.

Prof Matt Warren stated, “We have developed key security relationships between Australia and the Baltic with our connection with Lithuania (Mykolos Romeris University) through the Australian Lithuanian Research Cyber Research Network. We have been working closely with our colleagues in Latvia to explore how we can expand the Australian–Baltic connections further.

The visit by Her Excellency Baiba Braže allows us to showcase our cyber security research, particularly in the relationship of hybrid threats and highlight the activities of the Australian – Lithuanian Hybrid Threat Centre, Australia’s first hybrid threat centre and explore ways of Lativia becoming more involved with Australian – Baltic Cyber Research activities.

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06 September 2024

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