Foreign Minister Riekstins attests Latvia's readiness to assist with the establishment of a Foreign Ministry in Kosovo

During his working visit in Pristina, Kosovo on 8 and 9 July, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with top-level Kosovan officials and heads of international missions, and visited Latvian soldiers serving in NATO-led peacekeeping forces in Kosovo.

At a meeting with the President of Kosovo Fatimir Sejdiu, both sides discussed the situation in the country after the declaration of Kosovo's independence on 17 February. President Sajdiu thanked Latvia for being one of the first to recognise the independence of Kosovo. He also valued highly the fact that the Latvian Foreign Minister is one of the few representatives of the European Union states and governments who have personally visited Kosovo. The President was appreciative of the work of the representatives of the Latvian Contingent within the NATO-led peacekeeping forces (KFOR), and also the participation of Latvian experts in the EU Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) in Kosovo. Foreign Minister Riekstins expressed the wish and readiness to help Kosovo bilaterally as well, in building the country and establishing institutions, in view of the experience that Latvia has accumulated after regaining its independence.

The discussion with the Kosovan Prime Minister Hashim Thaci mainly focused on the progress of the reform process in Kosovo and Kosovan measures towards establishing a favourable business environment, attracting foreign investment, and strengthening the rule of law, including the fight against organised crime, smuggling and corruption. A topic of discussion was also Kosovo's relations with its neighbouring countries, including Serbia, after the endorsement of the new government, and the overall situation in the West Balkans.

At a meeting with the Kosovan Foreign Minister Skender Hyseni, the continuing of the process of recognition of Kosovan independence was discussed, which is currently the key priority of the government of Kosovo. "One can draw certain parallels between the history of Latvia and Kosovo, because Latvia too in the early 1990's had to start from the very beginning in the formation of state institutions, this is precisely why we are prepared to share our experience with the government of Kosovo, offering both our political and practical support" pointed out Foreign Minister Riekstins. Both foreign ministers agreed on further co-operation, including the transfer of Latvian experience - at the level of experts – in areas such as protocol, training of diplomats and other issues, if the Kosovan side were to consider it useful and necessary. Minister Hyseni also made mention of Latvia's participation in the International Steering Group for Kosovo (ISG). During the talks, the sides also discussed the forthcoming Kosovo Donors Conference on 11 July in Brussels. At the conclusion of the meeting, Minister Riekstins invited the Kosovan Foreign Minister to visit Latvia.

As part of the visit, the Latvian Foreign Minister also met with the Deputy International Civilian Representative Fletcher Burton, Head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Special Representative of the UN Secretary General Lamberto Zannier, and Head of the EU Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) Yves de Kermabon. These meetings mainly dealt with issues such as the co-operation of international organisations in Kosovo, reconfiguration of the UNMIK mission, and the expanding of the EULEX mission in Kosovo.

At a meeting with Deputy Commander of the NATO-led Peacekeeping Force (KFOR) Gerhard Stelz, KFOR leadership expressed appreciation and approval of the work of the Latvian Contingent's mission in Kosovo from as early as 1999, and gave a review of the security situation in the region.

As part of the visit, Minister Riekstins met with the Latvian soldiers serving in NATO-led forces. The Latvian Contingent operates in Pristina as part of the multinational brigade "Centre". Presently there are 19 soldiers from the Latvian National Armed Forces serving in KFOR. During the visit, the soldiers acquainted the Minister with their everyday work and responsibilities, and with the social life within the Contingent. The Minister thanked the soldiers on behalf of the Latvian government and Foreign Ministry for their contribution in securing stability in the region.

A meeting also took place with Latvian representatives at EULEX in Kosovo, who gave an account on the implementation of the mission and the future international presence in Kosovo. Latvia plans to participate in the EULEX mission with eight civil experts.

Latvia and Kosovo established diplomatic relations on 10 June 2008.

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