Foreign Minister speaks about Latvia's contribution to Iraq's reconstruction during international conference

On 29 May, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstins addressed the International Iraq Compact Annual Review Conference in Stockholm, Sweden, and spoke about Latvia's contribution to the reconstruction of Iraq.

In his address, the Foreign Minister emphasized the role of the European and Transatlantic community and of Iraq's government also in the reconstruction of the country. "Today's event, where nations from all over the world are participating, manifests common commitment and support to political and economic reconstruction of Iraq", said the Minister.

Regarding the Latvian government's contribution towards strengthening Iraq's civil society and restoring the administrative capacity of local government, Minister Riekstins indicated that over the period of five years, the Government of Latvia has allocated USD 700 000 for Iraq's reconstruction projects. "We are ready and open to discuss with the Iraqi officials the needs and substance of the particular assistance most useful and beneficial," added the Minister. In his address, the Minister also made mention of the contribution of Latvian experts in training the Iraqi police and organising courses for representatives of Iraq's local government institutions within the EU Integrated Rule of Law Mission for Iraq (EUJUST lex).

The conference was attended by the U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt and Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb, Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini, and other eminent representatives of the international community.

The conference was organised by the United Nations in association with the governments of Sweden and Iraq. Its aim is to review the assistance provided by the international community for Iraq's reconstruction and development process, and also to identify the sectors in which further support is needed.

For further information, please see: http://www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/10569/a/103608 

First Annual Compact Review Conference, Contribution of the Republic of Latvia by H.E. Maris Riekstins, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia

Webcast from the conference http://www.regeringen.se/sb/d/3194/a/106105

(end of text)