CONFERENCE “PROVINCIAL RECONSTRUCTION TEAMS IN AFGHANISTAN TODAY AND IN THE FUTURE” IS ORGANIZED IN VILNIUS
On 25-27 November, a conference “Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Afghanistan Today and in the Future” is organized in Vilnius.
More than a hundred representatives from 23 countries and 4 international organizations, such as the NATO, International Security Assistance Force, the European Union and the United Nations, shall discuss the development and integration of the activities of Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) of various countries in Afghanistan in the areas of security, good governance and development.
One of the aims of this conference is to share experience, which was obtained in different regions of Afghanistan, discuss the possibilities for closer cooperation among the PRTs in various regions, and indicate guidelines for the future action of the PRT.
During the conference acceleration of development of civilian missions and strengthening of the role of civilian experts of the countries will also be discussed.
International experts and representatives from institutions will share their experience of interdepartmental cooperation in the capital cities, and coordination of their activities with other donors as well as international institutions in Afghanistan. They will discuss the issues of promoting Afghan participation in the reconstruction of their country.
The conference is organized by the two countries leading Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Afghanistan: Lithuania and Canada. Lithuania leads a PRT in the western part of Afghanistan, and Canada leads one in the southern part of Afghanistan.
PRT is a part of the NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) military-civilian mission. Lithuanian-led PRT was established in 2005 and it is made up of military staff headed by the ISAF commander, and civil personnel – Lithuanian Special Mission in Afghanistan and civil personnel from Iceland and the USA.
It is anticipated that this conference would serve the purpose not only of securing safety and stability in Afghanistan, as is sought by the international community and the Afghan Government, but also serve Lithuania’s interests in pursuing to improve the security, social and economic situation in Ghor, where Lithuania is leading its Provincial Reconstruction Team.
Similar conferences at the initiative of the countries that are leading PRTs were held in the NATO headquarters in Brussels in 2005, as well as in Prague and Budapest in 2006.
FOR THE ATTENTION OF MEDIA:
The conference venue is at the Reval Hotel Lietuva (Konstitucijos street 20). On 26 November, a photo/video opportunity will be offered to media representatives during the first part of the conference. Media representatives are kindly invited to the press conference on 27 November at 12:00 h. Representatives shall register by e-mail media@urm.lt or tel.: 236 2445.
PROGRAM FOR THE MEDIA:
26 November (Monday)
9.00-9.15 – Welcoming speech by Petras Vaitiekūnas, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
9.15-9.35 – Commentaries by Kerry Buck, Director General, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada and commentaries by Deividas Matulionis, State Secretary, Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
9.35-10.10 – Welcoming speech by Jalani Popal, Minister for Local Governance, Government of Afghanistan.
27 November (Tuesday)
12.00-12.30 - Press conference.
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