Excellencies,

Dear Colleagues,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Let me start by thanking the Swedish Government for hosting the First Annual Review Conference of the Compact with Iraq.

Today's event, where nations from all over the world are participating, manifests common commitment and support to political and economic reconstruction of Iraq.

Dear Colleagues,

As a representative of a former captive nation I am truly aware that rebuilding of the State is a very complicated and certainly not an easy task.

Iraq has probably gone through one of the most difficult periods in its history and despite of current progress is still facing serious challenges.

At the present moment it is clearly the duty of the international community to help the Iraqi Government to overcome these challenges.

I am of the opinion that the International Compact with Iraq provides the opportunity to coordinate our joint efforts thus helping the Iraqi Government to reach its ambitious targets. 

On behalf of my government I would like to emphasize the importance of the efforts of both - the European and transatlantic community as the main donors, as well as those of the Iraqi Government.

Latvia as a part of the international community, being engaged in democracy building process in Iraq for almost half a decade, attaches great importance to the stability of Iraq.

Among our activities we shared the experience of our national experts on human rights issues within EU JUST LEX, training Iraqi police, as well as contributed to the transfer of know-how for Iraqi municipalities.

During this period the assistance of my government via bilateral and multilateral projects has exceeded 700'000 USD.

Furthermore, the Government of Latvia has recently granted additional contribution in order to continue strengthening the civil society and rebuilding the administrative capacity of Iraqi institutions.

We are ready and open to discuss with the Iraqi officials the needs and substance of the particular assistance most useful and beneficial.

Dear Colleagues,

This conference has assembled a certain 'coalition of the willing' - those willing to contribute to the peace-building and economic prosperity of Iraq and those willing to make commitments.

Latvia shares the vision of strong, stable and democratic Iraq that would guarantee secure and safe life for its nation.

Thank you for your attention!