Statement by H.E. Mr. Māris Riekstiņš, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia The Afghanistan Conference in London, 28 January 2010 [28 Jan 2010]

We meet here in London to show our continuous commitment to building a more prosperous and stable Afghanistan. Security and future of Afghanistan remains linked with common security of Europe, including my own country. Ensuring security and development of Afghanistan continues to be a challenging task of the Afghan people, countries in Central Asia and international community as a whole. The London Conference is a critical juncture in time when we need to sustain and maximise international efforts in even closer collaboration with the Government of Afghanistan. It should lead to more progressive further steps than we have been able to make so far.

The London Conference on the one hand is another sign of strong and unwavering support of the international community to the security, development and governance of Afghanistan. On behalf of the Government of Latvia I would like to reconfirm that Latvia will remain engaged for a long term in the stabilisation of Afghanistan. The commitment of Latvia will hold true as long as it will be needed to ensure that the Government of Afghanistan possesses the capability to take over full responsibility of security in places where our units operate, as well as in the whole country. "As long as it will be needed" should not mean indefinite and uncritical.

On the other hand, we also expect to receive reciprocal commitment from the leadership of Afghanistan; commitment that is indeed turned into real effort of measurable and lasting ability to gradually ensure security in the country and of the Afghan people. The immediate steps at the top of the priority list should aim at the transition of security responsibility to Afghan leadership. Building of Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) is well under way and yet more efforts and time are needed. Nevertheless, we expect to see a growing rate of well trained and functional indigenous units.

Latvia pays considerable attention to security through the increase of the capacity of the ANSF. Latvia has deployed the Operational Monitoring and Liaison Team to train the Afghan National Army units in Kunar and Nuristan provinces in the East of Afghanistan. We responsibly proceed with our engagement in ISAF security tasks in Northern province of Faryab.

Through the participation in the civilian EUPOL Afghanistan mission Latvia also strengthens capacity of Afghan National Police. The Government of Latvia earlier this month decided to reinforce our civilian participation in the EUPOL mission by additional two policemen.

In addition to significant military participation, which per capita ranges among the top 10 ISAF contributing states, and reinforced civilian presence Latvia will continue to provide development assistance to Afghanistan focused on strengthening of its rule of law and judiciary capacity. My government has approved the continuation of our efforts through a training project targeted specifically for police officers in the field of criminal investigation. We hope that our know-how will prove to be a useful tool for the Afghan people in strengthening their state.

Furthermore, we view our efforts in facilitating the Northern Distribution Network as another contribution to the mission in Afghanistan by offering assistance to ISAF nations in delivering their non-military cargo to Afghanistan. Latvian proposal to ISAF nations is based on successful experience with delivery of US cargo to Afghanistan, using the transit capacities of Latvia's ports.

We approve the broad list of priority tasks undertaken by the President of Afghanistan Karzai and pronounced in his inaugural speech. Latvia welcomes the pledge of President Karzai to improve standards of governance in his country. We urge Afghanistan leadership to complete the formation of the Government that would have direct responsibility over prompt implementation of President's agenda. Organizing credible, transparent, inclusive and secure parliamentary election will be another task important for Afghanistan's domestic development.

To our mind, the uprooting of corruption and abuse of public funds should remain one of the top priorities of the new Government. The strategic tasks in Afghanistan highlighted in the inaugural speech of President Karzai can be carried out only in close interaction among the UN, NATO, EU and other international actors, the local executive power structures and population. Reinforced co-ordinating role of UNAMA and the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board will help in achieving the set goals. Latvia views the London Conference not only as a well intended one-sided commitment of international community but also equal commitment to the international contributors by the Government of Afghanistan.

Progress in Afghanistan remains a high priority for Latvia. We are determined to continue our efforts hand in hand with international partners and with the government of Afghanistan to achieve our common objectives.