OREANDA-NEWS. March 29, 2010. While attending the Brussels Forum of the US-German Marshall Fund, President Valdis Zatlers met with NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen today, March 27. The two men discussed Latvia’s participation in the mission of Afghanistan, with the President confirming Latvia’s readiness to continue to take part therein. The secretary-general praised Latvia’s participation in the mission, particularly given the country’s economic situation. President Zatlers and Mr Rasmussen agreed that there must be active attempts to promote dialogue and co-operation between NATO and Russia so as to enhance global and regional security.

Also at the forum, the President met with World Bank President Robert Zoellick. The President thanked Mr Zoellick for the World Bank’s expertise, evaluation of results, and financial support for the implementation of health care and education reforms in Latvia. Mr Zoellick indicated a great deal of interest as to the situation in Latvia, promising to continue to support structural reforms in the social sector. The World Bank president added that Latvia has set an example for other countries. He demonstrated particular interest in Latvia’s 20 years of reforms, saying that this experience could be of use to countries in Central Asia.

At a panel discussion titled “Europe’s Fiscal Crisis and the Future of the Euro,” President Zatlers admitted to increasing interest in the way in which Latvia, in comparison to Greece, has dealt with its economic crisis, presenting information not only about Latvia’s experience with reforms, but also about the results of the country’s economic recovery plan. This was an outstanding opportunity to talk to high-ranking government officials, economists and media representatives to show that Latvia is on top of the situation in terms of political stability and economic recovery.