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On May 20, Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis arrived to the capital city of Afghanistan – Kabul where the meeting of the Prime Minister and President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai was held.
During a discussion Prime Minister V.Dombrovskis and President of Afghanistan H.Karzai discussed the international operation in Afghanistan and Latvia’s contribution to this operation, both, in terms of security and national reconstruction. The President of Afghanistan appreciated Latvia’s contribution.
The Head of the Government of Latvia and the President of Afghanistan discussed provision of transit and non-military cargos for the NATO forces in Afghanistan through Latvia’s ports and by railway, which is an important factor to ensure the national security, stability and long-term development of Afghanistan. Currently, this route provides the opportunity to vary the routes for non-military cargoes to Afghanistan. However, in the future, as H.Karzai emphasized, it could become an advantageous trade route from Afghanistan to Latvia and Europe.
H.Karzai was interested in changes that have taken place since the restoration of Latvia’s independence in the area of economy, army and society on the whole, including the structure of the state.
Within the framework of discussion, the parties discussed the relations of Afghanistan and its neighbouring countries also in broader international context, incl. China, the USA and Russia.
President of Afghanistan H.Karzai informed Prime Minister V.Dombrovskis on Loya jirga (grand assembly) that will take place on May 29 and where the society representatives will discuss how to promote peace strengthening in Afghanistan. At the same time, H. Karzai expressed his regret that due to this important event in Afghanistan, he will not be able to participate in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Rīga, which will be held from May 28 - June 1, but Afghanistan will be represented by the State Minister for Defence.
President of Afghanistan H.Karzai expressed his hope that he will have an opportunity to visit Rīga at other time.
At the conclusion of the visit, the President of Afghanistan asked the Prime Minister to bring his gratitude to the Latvian people for provided assistance to Afghanistan and wished the Latvian soldiers successful future service in Afghanistan and safe return to Latvia.
For the photos of the meeting of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia and the President of Afghanistan, please visit Flickr photo album of the State Chancellery: http://www.flickr.com/photos/valstskanceleja/sets/72157623976768567/
Aivis Freidenfelds
Press Secretary to the Cabinet of Ministers
Phone. 67082922/29241016
E-mail: prese@mk.gov.lv
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