Minister of National Defence: Lithuania sees mission in Afghanistan as priority

Minister of National Defence Rasa Jukneviciene, Chief of Defence of Lithuanian Armed Forces Lt. Gen. Valdas Tutkus, and delegation of Lithuanian Government and Seimas representatives visited camp of Chaghcharan PRT-8, March 28.

While staying in Ghowr Lithuanian Delegation met with Provincial Governor Sayed Mohammad Iqbal Munib and other authorities of the province. “Afghanistan was once a thriving and very beautiful country but long-lasting and devastating wars turned it needy for international support,” said Governor thanking for Lithuania’s support in keeping security and stability in the province. He also pointed out the most acute problems in the province emphasizing that Ghowr is an especially isolated region whose progress is critically related to the development of road infrastructure.

Deputy Chair of Ghowr Provincial Council Abdul Haq Rasooli highlighted for the Lithuanian delegation that the upcoming presidential elections would require particular security measures to be applied in the province.

In her turn, Minister Jukneviciene stressed while meeting with provincial representatives that Lithuanian Government considers participation in NATO operation in Afghanistan and PRT mission as priority and that Lithuania would heartily like to finance Ghowr development more abundantly, however, economical situation in Lithuania modifies the schedule of project implementation. “We are making every effort to attract international donors to the province to join our ongoing initiatives. It has already been affirmed that civilian specialists delegated by the Government of Japan will soon start service in Ghowr,” the Minister said.

In the meeting Rasa Jukneviciene informed representatives of Afghanistan that Lithuania would increase its contingent in Afghanistan with respect to the grown need for security during the upcoming presidential elections. An additional unit will be deployed with PRT and Special Operations Forces Squadron serving in NATO ISAF operation the south of Afghanistan.

Concluding the meeting with Ghowr authorities R.Jukneviciene expressed her joy in cooperation developed by Lithuanian and Afghan Governments in provincial reconstruction and insured Lithuania’s support in the future: “We will provide you with support but still you remain the ones responsible for your countries future. Lithuania has walked the road of re-establishing independence and faced major challenges while doing so; other countries have provided us with great support, however, we built the main things by ourselves.”

Afterwards the delegation escorted by Ghowr Governor observed projects supported by the Government of Lithuania: Chaghcharan Public Park, Ghowr Hospital under reconstruction, Civil Servants Training Centre, etc.

In the evening members of delegation met with Lithuanian troops on mission, Lithuanian diplomats serving in Ghowr, talked with soldiers about their tasks, conditions of service, other issues of their lives on mission.

On March 29 Lithuanian delegation visited Lithuanian Special Operations Forces troops deployed in Kandahar province of Afghanistan.

Currently there are 120 Lithuanian troops deployed with the Lithuanian-led PRT-8 under NATO ISAF operation. Another 20 soldiers serve in various ISAF commands. Special Operations Forces Squadron is deployed in Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan with other allied forces.