Other events in Baltic States

The Latvian Army is very disciplined, and their soldiers are professional with high moral standards, the mayor of the Afghan city of Maimana in Faryab Province – Nazar Mohammad Saheb Zada Saheb Nazar, said during a meeting with the Latvian press today.

The Afghan mayor said that no one in his country see any flaws in the work of Latvian soldiers.

Nazar went on to thank the Latvian people for the fact that many Latvian soldiers have traveled thousands of kilometers away from their families to help improve Afghanistan's security. He also thanked the Latvian Armed Forces for their contribution in training Afghan soldiers.

The mayor of Maimana also confirmed that the security situation in Afghanistan is gradually improving, but that he feels much safer in Latvian than in his home country.

Nazar also appealed for the West not to leave his people helpless, pointing out that the Afghan people wish to live in their own country and not flee with backpacks on their backs. He said that since NATO forces arrived in the country, much has been done to improve the quality of life in the country, however, there is still much left to do. Thus, he expressed his concern of what will happen when NATO forces pull out of his country in 2014.

As reported, Nazar is currently on a four-day visit to Latvia, during which will meet with defense sector officials to discuss the input of the Latvian contingent in the ISAF operation in Faryab Province and future cooperation.