Representatives from Latvia participate in International Steering Group for Kosovo

From 20 to 24 May, a delegation from the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs visited Kosovo to gain an insight into the situation there and to participate in the meeting of the International Steering Group for Kosovo, which was held in Pristina on 22 May. The delegation was headed by the Director of the European Union Department, Anda Orchard, and included Charge d'Affaires in Slovenia Juris Poikans, Head of the International Operations and Crisis Management Division, Zane Petre, and the Third Secretary of the EU Enlargement and Western Balkans Division, Andris Petersons.

Latvia recognised Kosovo's independence on 20 February. Although Kosovo is still actually under UN governance, public administration functions are gradually being handed over from the international community to Kosovan institutions. On 15 June the Kosovo Constitution and a number of other constitutional legislative acts will come into effect.

This was the first time that Latvia has participated in the International Steering Group for Kosovo, to which it was admitted together with Bulgaria, Estonia, Ireland, Luxembourg and Poland. As a member state of the International Steering Group for Kosovo, Latvia acknowledges the progress that Kosovo has made since the adoption of the declaration of independence.

At a meeting with Kosovo's Minister of Justice, Nekibe Kelmendi, and Minister of the Interior, Zenun Pajaziti, the parties discussed the Kosovo Constitution entering into force on 15 June, and the possibilities of rendering technical assistance. Meanwhile the focus of talks with the advisors of Kosovo's President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister were the establishment of diplomatic relations and future co-operation prospects between the two countries.

As part of the visit, the Latvian delegation met with the Deputy Chief of the UN Interim Administration in Kosovo (UNMIK), Lawrence Rossin, Head of the International Civil Office, Jonas Jonsson, Head of the European Union Planning Team for Kosovo, Roy Reeve, Deputy Head of the European Commission's Representation, Kjartan Bjornsson, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Tim Guldimann, Head of the Slovenian Representation, Vojko Volk, as well as Deputy Heads of the UK and German Embassies and other officials. The topics of discussion were current developments in the region and the provision of technical assistance to Kosovo. Latvia, with its experience in institution-building, may help Kosovo by sending its experts in the field. 

At present, there are already several dozens of representatives of Latvian institutions and Latvia-registered private company consultants working in Kosovo. Latvian representatives provide support for Kosovo in home and justice affairs and border guard matters, and offer consultations regarding the establishment of public administration and justice systems. 

Latvia is also a participant in the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX Kosovo). The mission's principal remit is to help Kosovan public administration, justice and law enforcement institutions by building and strengthening an independent justice system and police and customs services. The first two Latvian experts have been in Kosovo since 20 April, but the rest of the Latvian representatives designated for the mission are due to leave for Kosovo over the following months.

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