Hagel Commends Latvia’s Participation in Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2013 – In a Pentagon meeting with Latvian Defense Minister Artis Pabriks today, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel commended Latvia for its steadfast participation in International Security Assistance Force operations in Afghanistan and for the energy and perspective that Latvia and its Baltic counterparts have brought to NATO, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, left, escorts Latvian Defense Minister Artis Pabriks through an honor cordon into the Pentagon, Oct. 30, 2013. The two defense leaders met to discuss national and regional security issues. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo    (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

In a statement summarizing the meeting, Little said Hagel and Pabriks reiterated their countries' commitment to supporting security and stability in Afghanistan beyond 2014.

"Secretary Hagel also reinforced the United States' commitment to standing together with United States and NATO allies and partners,” he added. “The leaders affirmed their intent to work together to support regional cooperation, interoperability and long-term defense modernization and acknowledged the important relationship between Latvia and the Michigan National Guard, Latvia's partner in the National Guard's State Partnership Program."