Security conference and meeting of commanders of four ISAF PRTs in Western Afghanistan was held in Herat on March 18-19. The meeting addressed further prospects of stabilising security situation in the region and ways of improving development cooperation efforts.

Events were attended by civilian and military personnel representing Western Afghanistan Herat, Badghis, Farah, and Lithuanian-led Ghowr PRTs, and Lithuanian Special Mission in Afghanistan.

According to information of Lithuanian Special Mission Commander of PRT-6 Col. Albertas Kondrotas and Head of Special Mission Aleksandras Matonis also met with the Commander of ISAF Regional Command West Gen. Maj. Fausto Macor and visited Italian PRT in Herat where they learned about the activity of civilian and military personnel.

In the PRT leadership meeting information was exchanged on ISAF military operations planned in Afghanistan this year, efforts of provincial government abilities, and support for the Afghans national security forces.

In the conference Italian, Spanish, American and Lithuanian diplomats and civilian experts shared practise and experience of cooperation development and civilian reconstruction projects and lessons learned.

“Each PRT meets different challenges in different provinces therefore it was useful to hear of our partners’ experience in coping with them. And what is more important we had an opportunity to coordinate actions of joint security ensurment operations directly before the beginning of summer season,” said PRT-6 Commander Col. Albertas Kondrotas.

“Using example of Lithuanian PRT we tried to show our colleagues that even with short supply we can ensure acceptance of local people and drive forward provincial development by joint efforts of civilians and the military,” said Head of Special Mission Aleksandras Matonis.

Currently the 6th rotation of PRT is deployed to the NATO ISAF mission, its basis is formed of King Mindaugas Battalion soldiers (stationed in Panevezys). Four Lithuanian civilians work in Lithuanian Special Mission responsible for development cooperation efforts.