Latvia ready to help Kosovo

RIGA- During his working visit in Pristina, Kosovo on 8 and 9 July, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins met with top-level Kosovan officials and heads of international missions, and visited Latvian soldiers serving in NATO-led peacekeeping forces in Kosovo.

According to information from Latvia's foreign ministry, at a meeting with the President of Kosovo Fatimir Sejdiu, both sides discussed the situation in the country after the declaration of Kosovo's independence on 17 February. President Sajdiu thanked Latvia for being one of the first to recognise the independence of Kosovo. He also valued highly the fact that the Latvian Foreign Minister is one of the few representatives of the European Union states and governments who have personally visited Kosovo. The President was appreciative of the work of the representatives of the Latvian Contingent within the NATO-led peacekeeping forces (KFOR), and also the participation of Latvian experts in the EU Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) in Kosovo. Foreign Minister Riekstins expressed desire and ability to help Kosovo bilaterally as well, in building the country and establishing institutions, in view of the experience that Latvia has accumulated after regaining its independence.

The discussion with Kosovo's Prime Minister Hashim Thaci mainly focused on the progress of the reform process in Kosovo and Kosovo's measures towards establishing a favourable business environment, attracting foreign investment, and strengthening the rule of law, including the fight against organised crime, smuggling and corruption. A topic of discussion was also Kosovo's relations with its neighbouring countries, including Serbia, after the endorsement of the new government, and the overall situation in the West Balkans.

 At a meeting with the Kosovo's Foreign Minister Skender Hyseni, the continuing of the process of recognition of Kosovan independence was discussed, currently the key priority of the government of Kosovo. "One can draw certain parallels between the history of Latvia and Kosovo, because Latvia too in the early 1990's had to start from the very beginning in the formation of state institutions, this is precisely why we are prepared to share our experience with the government of Kosovo, offering both our political and practical support" pointed out Foreign Minister Riekstins.

A meeting also took place with Latvian representatives at EULEX in Kosovo, who gave an account on the implementation of the mission and the future international presence in Kosovo. Latvia plans to participate in the EULEX mission with eight civil experts.