Maris Riekstins and NATO Military Committee Chairman agreed on the importance of the role of the alliance in the strengthening of security in the 21st Century

On 14 May, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giampaolo di Paola, who was on a visit to Latvia. During their meeting, the NATO led international operation in Afghanistan, the NATO Heads of Government and Heads of State Summit in Strasbourg/Kehl in April of this year, and NATO—Russia relations were the major topics for discussion.

Within the framework of this meeting, Foreign Minister Riekstins  noted, with satisfaction,  that the overall Latvian community's support for NATO this past year has been stable, and that the patrolling of Baltic air space has been a most visible indicator of NATO presence and of the indivisibility of the alliance.

During the discussion, both parties reviewed the outcomes of the recent NATO Heads of Government and Heads of State Summit which took place from 3 – 4 April in Strasbourg / Kehl. These include the decision on the drafting of a new NATO strategic concept, the accession to the Alliance by both Albania and Croatia and the decision on the appointment of the new Secretary-General of NATO. At the same time, issues concerning NATO—Russia relations, the question of military co-operation with Russia in areas of common interest, for example, in Afghanistan and in the combating of international terrorism were also discussed.

The Chairman of the NATO Military Committee pointed out that the international operation in Afghanistan is the most important NATO operation and Latvia's contribution is most highly regarded. He also expressed his deepest condolences with regard to the recent tragic loss of two Latvian soldiers. Minister Riekstins emphasised that Latvia will maintain its participation in NATO led forces in Afghanistan and added that the long-term solution to the problem in Afghanistan requires a balance between a civilian and a military commitment.

The Chairman of the Military Committee will also be meeting with Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis, with Juris Dalbins - Chairman of the Saeima Defence and Internal Affairs Committee, with the Commander of the National Armed Forces (NAF) Major General Juris Maklakovs, with Ministry of Defence State Secretary Janis Sarts, with Latvia's Military Representative to NATO, Brigadier General Raimonds Graube, and with other senior NAF officials.

(end of text)