Kosovan–Latvian relations
Map indicating locations of Kosovo and Latvia

Kosovo
Latvia

Kosovo–Latvia relations are foreign relations between the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of Latvia. Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008 and Latvia recognised it on 20 February 2008.[1] Latvian and Kosovan governments established diplomatic relations on 11 June 2008.[2] However, Latvia's involvement in Kosovo dates back to 2000 when it first sent peacekeeping troops.

History

In 2000, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga suggested that NATO's willingness to intervene in Kosovo means that the Western alliance will be prepared to come to the aid of Latvia and other East European countries should Moscow threaten them at some point in the future. She stated: "Kosovo is not a member of the NATO alliance and yet the alliance was able to take action when it felt that, according to the principles on which it is founded, action and intervention was necessary. I would expect it to do no less anywhere else in Europe."[3]

In November 2005, Kosovo President Ibrahim Rugova met Latvian Foreign Minister, Artis Pabriks.[4]

Following the formal recognition of Kosovo in February 2008, Latvian Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins said: "Latvia is ready to share its experience in order to facilitate Kosovo's development towards its Europeisation". The Minister also stressed the significance of Latvia's involvement in both the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX Kosovo), the key objective of which is to assist Kosovar public administration, courts, and law enforcement bodies, and in the International Steering Group for Kosovo.[5]

In July 2008, Foreign Minister Riekstins visited Kosovo and met with President Fatmir Sejdiu, Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi and Foreign Minister Skender Hyseni. President Seijdiu said he 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.[6]

During this visit, Minister Riekstins said: "One can draw certain parallels between the history of Latvia and Kosovo, because Latvia too in the early 1990s 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."[6]

Peacekeeping

In July 1999, the Latvian Parliament approved by a majority of 71–6 to send peacekeepers to Kosovo.[7] In 2000, the first Latvian troops were sent to Kosovo for peacekeeping.[8] In 2005, Latvia committed 105 troops to the peacekeeping effort in Kosovo.[9] Latvia currently has 17 troops serving in Kosovo as peacekeepers in the NATO led Kosovo Force.[10]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Announcement by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Latvia on recognition of Kosovo's independence". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Latvia. 2008-02-20. Archived from the original on 2008-03-30. Retrieved 2008-02-20.
  2. ↑ Latvia establishes diplomatic relations with Kosovo Archived 2013-09-21 at the Wayback Machine, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, 10 June 2008
  3. ↑ Latvia: Analysis From Washington -- Another Precedent From Kosovo?
  4. ↑ "Kosovo's Rugova, Latvian foreign minister discuss preparations for status talks". KosovaLive. November 24, 2005. Retrieved 2009-06-11.
  5. ↑ "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia: Archive document". www.mfa.gov.lv. Archived from the original on 2011-07-16.
  6. 1 2 "Latvia ready to help Kosovo". The Baltic Times. June 10, 2008. Retrieved 2009-06-11. 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.
  7. ↑ "Latvia parliament approves dispatch of Kosovo peacekeepers". Latvian Radio. July 8, 1999. Retrieved 2009-06-11. Latvia's parliament approved on Thursday the dispatch of peacekeeping troops to Kosovo, Latvian radio reported.
  8. ↑ "First Latvian contingent to Kosovo peacekeeping forces completes mission". LETA. August 15, 2000. Retrieved 2009-06-11. The first Latvian contingent in Kosovo peacekeeping forces has accomplished its mission 100 per cent, said National Armed Forces Commander Raimonds Graube during his meeting with the soldiers upon their return today. Latvia's parliament approved on Thursday the dispatch of peacekeeping troops to Kosovo, Latvian radio reported.
  9. ↑ "Latvia to maintain its contingent in Kosovo for another year - Russian News - REGNUM". Archived from the original on 2012-03-08. Retrieved 2009-06-10.
  10. ↑ "Kosovo Force (KFOR)" www.nato.int Link accessed 21-07-09
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