Latvia, Legislation, Transport, USA

Photo: flickr.com

General Selva noted, in particular, Latvia's contribution to the establishment of the Northern Distribution Network (NDN) and to ensuring its smooth operation as well as the necessary development of infrastructure so that it could serve as a framework for transit in the direction of Afghanistan.

Political Director Eduards Stiprais, in turn, confirmed that Latvia is ready to continue this cooperation with regard to Afghanistan, while, at the same time, exploring additional opportunities for cooperation. Latvia wishes to see the routes which were set up to supply the ISAF mission in Afghanistan developing into routes for trade and commerce with a broader regional significance.

Since 2009, when the transportation of supplies began via the Northern Distribution Network, over 100 thousand containers have been carried through Latvia in both directions. Latvia's transit infrastructure, transport companies, and manufacturers have been actively engaged in the process.

The visit by the USTRANSCOM delegation led by General Paul J. Selva on18 August and 19 August includes meetings at the Ministries of Defence and Transport, and a tour of Riga’s port and international airport.

USTRANSCOM is one of nine unified commands of the United States Department of Defense and its mission is to provide air, land and sea transportation for the armed forces, both in times of peace and war.