Statement
by Mr. Girts
Valdis Kristovskis
Minister of Defence of the Republic of Latvia
at the Meeting of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council
Thank you Mr Chairman.
Dear Colleagues, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen!
It is a great pleasure to be here today to address our regular meeting
of Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council Defence Ministers.
Latvia's continuing involvement in PfP, PARP, and, since last year, the
Membership Action Plan process, is helping us to increase our defence
capabilities These processes contribute to Defence Reform in Latvia by
enabling us to improve our involvement in crisis response operations without
losing sight of our need to develop a system of total defence. The processes
also consolidate the development of joint Baltic defence capabilities.
What then are the main contributions that Latvia receives from the PfP
and related processes? Let me give three specific examples.
Firstly, we have been able to focus on planning, and, more importantly,
the way in which these plans can be implemented. The PARP process has
been invaluable. We are examining the effective implementation of our
agreed Planning Goals. The requirements of these Goals are being integrated
into our defence plans and budget. Planning has also been prioritised
as far as budgeting is concerned. We have introduced a Budget Planning
System with a focus on resource based plans and program priorities.
Secondly, we are concentrating on the development of our defence capabilities.
We value the manner in which the Operational Capabilities Concept will
help to rationalise the planning of our cooperation. We are working on
building up Latvia's capabilities by placing an emphasis on quality of
life and training for military personnel, as well as the development of
our pool of forces available for NATO and the EU. We view the Training
and Education Enhancement Programme as a means for developing training
concepts, improving the provision of special training for NCOs, enhancing
the training system for reserve forces and implementing reforms to our
Defence Academy. These measures make the armed forces more attractive
to young recruits.
Thirdly, the assessment and feedback mechanisms provided by the Membership
Action Plan and PARP processes are gaining in importance because they
correspond closely to the medium and long term plans for the development
of Latvia's armed forces. We have come to realise the value of close consultation
with the Alliance on development plans. The need for candid guidance both
from the International Staff and the Allies is crucial as we begin to
consider decisions that have important budgetary implications. Interoperability
also benefits from this feedback process.
In closing can I also emphasise the positive way that PfP and related
processes have benefited cooperation amongst aspirant countries. Following
our meeting of Defence Ministers in Sofia, Latvia looks forward to hosting
the aspirant countries' Chief of Defence meeting in Riga in June next
year. The focus will be on enhancing further our practical cooperation.
CHODs from Alliance countries are also welcome to attend.
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