Government supports extending Latvia's participation in international peacekeeping mission in Kosovo

RIGA - The government on Tuesday approved extending the participation of Latvian soldiers in a NATO-led international peacekeeping mission in Kosovo (KFOR) until December 31, 2025.

Saeima will take the final decision on extending Latvian soldiers' participation in the NATO mission.

According to the Defense Ministry, participation of the National Armed Forces in the operation must be extended, considering growing tensions on Europe's borders and the need to stabilize the situation, as well as Latvia's commitment to its obligations as a NATO member.

As reported, the Saeima on September 3, 2020 approved the deployment of Latvian soldiers to the NATO-led peacekeeping force in Kosovo until December 31, 2023.

Latvia also participated in the operation from February 2000 to August 2009 with different unit sizes and military specialists. The decision to resume participation in 2020 was taken at the request of the Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

KFOR entered Kosovo on June 11, 1999, after a prolonged ethnic conflict in the Balkan region. KFOR focuses on building a secure environment and guaranteeing the freedom of movement through all Kosovo territory for all citizens, irrespective of their ethnic origins.