NATO Summit will be another success story for Latvia

19.10.2006

“Only 40 days are left until the NATO Riga Summit” said the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Latvia, Mr. Atis Slakteris, at a press conference reporting on the results of the NATO Summit Planning Team’s visit to Riga. “Undoubtedly, it will be a unique event in the history of Latvia as Latvia has never before welcomed such a large number of Heads of State, Presidents, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence, and during the Summit the whole world will pay attention to us. It is going to be another success story for Latvia”.

He confirmed that the work completed so far has been intensive and purposeful, the organizational work has no weak points and therefore Latvia is ready for the Meeting of the NATO Heads of State and Government. Mr. Slakteris also said that during the visit, the final program of Summit events was completed and it is now clear that the greater part of the Summits guests will arrive in Riga on November 27, while the arrival of the Heads of State is expected on November 28. The first welcome event for the Summit guests will be a concert at the Latvian National Opera followed by a formal dinner. During the following morning of November 29, discussions at the large Summit table will commence.

The Head of the NATO Summit Planning Team Dr. Bernd Goetze also took part in the press conference. Dr. Goetze highly praised the substantial assistance given from Latvia’s side at both the official and organizational level and thanked Latvia for the great support that was felt during the preparation process. He underlined that the Summit will be a significant event not only for the Alliance as such, but also for Latvia and thanked the citizens of the country for being ready to host this event in Riga.

Dr. Goetze admitted that the organization of the meeting will affect the everyday life of many people and apologized in advanced for the expected traffic restrictions and security arrangements. However, he emphasized that such restrictions are routine during all Summits and hoped that people will share their joy and emotions regarding the successful hosting of a meeting of such a high level. Dr. Goetze also reminded the audience that this Summit would be held during a period when the Alliance is involved in its most important operations in Afghanistan and elsewhere in the world.

The NATO Summit Planning Team under the guidance of Dr. Bernd Goetze visited Riga from November 16 to 19 in order to discuss the progress of the organisation of the upcoming NATO Riga Summit together with Latvian representatives.

Information produced by:
Elīna Lazdāne
Chief NATO Summit Press Centre
Phone: 7017764
E-mail: summitpress@mod.gov.lv