On 10 December 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a meeting of the Advisory Council on the participation of civilian experts from Latvia in international civilian missions led by international organisations. The Council meeting was chaired by the Under Secretary of State, Political Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ivars Lasis. The agenda covered current matters related to the preparation, training, sending and participation of Latvian civil experts in international missions.
Ivars Lasis underlined at the meeting that civilian missions and the participation of civilian experts in missions should be viewed in a broader political context. He noted that Latvia’s participation in missions is a benefit and also evidences the high professional level of Latvian experts.
During the discussions, the Council members were invited to nominate candidates for civilian experts to participate in missions, including the United Nations civilian missions.
Representatives from the German-based European Centre of Excellence for Civil Crisis Management and its director, Volker Jacoby, also took part in the Advisory Council meeting. The Centre’s experts outlined the importance of civilian missions, the role of civilian experts and their contribution to strengthening global security.
International missions and operations have an important role to play in providing a comprehensive approach to the various external crises and conflicts – an approach making it possible to strengthen security and stability, both in close proximity to the European Union and further beyond the EU’s borders. Civilian experts perform important functions in international missions, such as the implementation of good governance principles, the strengthening of the rule of law, capacity building, the implementation of security sector reforms, border security surveillance, police training and reform implementation, crisis management and conflict prevention, promoting stability and peace in regions affected by conflict and instability.
Taking part in the meeting of the Advisory Council were officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Health, the Prosecutor General’s Office, as well as the State Revenue Service.
For information
The Advisory Council is an advisory and consultative body established under Cabinet Regulation No 74 of 24 January 2006. It makes proposals and addresses matters related to the sending of civilian experts to missions.
Latvia is currently represented in international missions and operations by 165 persons – 18 civilian experts and 146 military personnel.
