President Pavel discusses cooperation and sports with Czech troops in Latvia

President Petr Pavel met Czech soldiers stationed at the Ādaži military base in Latvia on Wednesday, speaking with them about international cooperation as well as everyday life during the mission. Around 50 Czech troops, mostly from the 153rd Engineer Battalion based in Olomouc, are currently deployed there as part of NATO’s forward presence strengthening the alliance’s eastern flank. The soldiers operate within a multinational brigade led by Canada and also including troops from Spain, Slovakia and Albania. Czech engineers support unit mobility and help limit enemy movement while gaining experience from cooperation with allied forces. Pavel, a former Czech army chief and NATO Military Committee chairman, also asked the soldiers about the winter conditions and opportunities for sports and recreation.