Foreign Minister Pabriks views co-operation with neighbouring countries as Latvia's priority in NATO 

14.07.2006

On 14 July 2006, in Riga, Latvian Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks addressed the participants of the Young Leaders Forum Building Bridges for the Next Generation emphasising that one of Latvia's priorities in NATO is co-operation with partners, particularly with the countries of the neighbouring regions.

Minister Pabriks emphasised, "We are ready to support our partner countries in their reform aspirations which will draw them closer to NATO standards not only in the military area but also on their way to free and democratic societies with a growing economy. These goals are directly determined by the efforts of these countries."

Minister Pabriks reiterated that Latvia already provides practical assistance and support in the implementing of reforms to Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova, and is also involved in dialogue with the Balkan countries.

The Foreign Minister participated in a forum session on Prospects for Increased Security and Democracy in the NATO Neighbourhood, drawing attention to the dilemma of democracy versus stability.

The forum is being attended by young leaders from NATO member states, partner, and other countries, and is taking place in Riga from 13 to 15 July as part of the NATO Summit scheduled for November in Riga. Its goal is to identify the key topics for the upcoming forum which will be held alongside NATO Summit. The young leaders will also be addressed by NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer.

The goal of the present forum is to discuss global security issues to be further considered at the November forum. The Young Leaders Forum is organised by the Latvian Transatlantic Organisation (LATO) and the NATO Summit Task Force in co-operation with the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 
 
Press Contact
Press Centre
Tel. (371) 7016-272, (371) 26 13 62 62
Fax (371) 7282-121
e-mail: media@mfa.gov.lv