Since 1996 to prove that Latvia is determined to be not only a consumer of security, but also an active participant in the up keeping of security in other countries, the personnel of the Armed Forces (NAF) of the Republic of Latvia has taken part in peace keeping missions in the Balkans. In May 2003 NAF unit went on a peacekeeping mission to the Persian Gulf.

In accordance with the law "Participation of the National Armed Forces of the Republic of Latvia in International Missions " the units of the National Armed Forces participate in international missions upon request of the international organisations Latvia is a member state to or has co-operation with, also by request of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and any member state of the European Union. The Parliament passes a decision about seconding the personnel of NAF to a mission.

At the moment Latvia participates in 5 international peacekeeping missions in:

• Afghanistan (since February 2003);
• Bosnia-Herzegovina (since April 1996);
• Iraq (since May 2003);
• Georgia (since 2000);
• Kosovo (since 2000).

More information - http://www.mod.gov.lv/index.php?pid=13164