KABUL - The National Security Council (NSC) on Saturday approved a 12-year-long strategic perspective concerning Afghan National Army (ANA)’s strength, equipment and recruitment.

President Hamid Karzai chaired the NSC meeting that held the Presidential Palace and discussed the perspective, a statement from the palace said.

It added President Karzai had been discussing the long-term idea aimed at boosting the capacity of Afghan army with senior Ministry of Defense (MoD) officials over the two years.

High-ranking government officials, including Defence Minister Bismillah Khan Mohammadi and Chief of Army Staff Gen. Sher Mohammad Karimi attended the NSC meeting.

The statement said the strategic plan focusing on ANA’s structure, equipment, strength and capacity was approved after being thoroughly discussed at the meeting.

The current strength of Afghan National Army (ANA) is about 200,000 soldiers.

Annual expenses of Afghan security forces are estimated at nearly $6 billion being provided by donor nations, particularly the United States. (Pajhwok)