Latvian Ambassador in Canada discusses NATO matters with students

On 4 March, the Latvian Embassy in Canada received a visit from students of the Carleton University, who represent Latvia at the NATO simulation game, "Model NATO", organized by the university. The Ambassador of Latvia to Canada Marģers Krams met with the students and gave an overview of Latvia's participation in the North Atlantic Alliance, the experience obtained and benefits, Latvia's participation in the NATO-led international mission in Afghanistan, as well as answering the students' questions.

Students were well-prepared and asked the Ambassador a number of questions about Latvia's vision concerning the transformation of the Alliance, the relations between NATO and Russia, co-operation with NATO partners, the organization's fight against international terrorism, the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the NATO Response Force, and crisis development in various regions of the world, among them, in an unsettled region of the Middle East.

At the end of the meeting, students thanked the Ambassador for his time and the information provided, as well as accentuating that direct visits to embassies and meetings with diplomats of NATO members is the major benefit for students and the central event of the simulation game. The Ambassador, for his part, wished students success, and victory to the "Latvian delegation".

The Carleton Model NATO, now in its tenth year, is organised by the Centre for Security and Defence Studies of the Carleton University, thereby broadening students' knowledge and perception about the organization's activities, as well as their vision of today's topical questions and challenges in international security policy. The simulation game will take place from 3-6 March in the Delta Ottawa Hotel conference facilities.