BRUSSELS - The NATO foreign ministers' meeting ended Tuesday in Brussels, capital of Belgium, where the NATO partner nations in a joint statement welcomed the new chapter of relationship between Afghanistan and NATO beginning January 1, 2015.
The launch of the Resolute Support will be carried out by a small number of NATO troops staying in Afghanistan post 2014 to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF).
"We look forward to our continued partnership and be assured that there is a new spirit of partnership in Kabul that will drive the process forward," said President Ashraf Ghani in his speech to participants of Brussels meeting.
As NATO's combat mission concludes at the end of the current year, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah announced his appreciation to NATO and ISAF for their efforts in playing a vital role in the stabilization of Afghanistan, adding that the Resolute Support mission will guide Afghanistan toward its ultimate goal of becoming self-reliant.
"Through this new mission, we expect our security forces to reach their full potential," Abdullah stated. "We are fully aware that the end of combat mission does not mean the war on terror is over."
Meanwhile, Afghan security institutions are optimistic of having a long-term relationship with NATO who will assist the country in reaching its strategic goals.
"We need to have the cooperation of NATO so that we will be able to have a strong ally in the region," Ministry of Interior spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said. "NATO's cooperation after 2014 can help Afghanistan reach its strategic goals."
The delegation of foreign ministers including Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah elaborated on NATO's new role and engagement in Afghanistan during the meeting and in addition welcomed Ghani's ratification of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) with Washington and NATO.
"We will work together to carry forward our partnership and, with the wider international community, to continue to promote security, peace, development, human rights and rule of law in Afghanistan," NATO stated in a press release.
Members of the alliance also welcomed the establishment of Afghanistan's National Unity Government and its determination to implement needed reforms, including advancing women's rights and empowerment.
"President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah both talked the same language from the same page about the same possibilities for Afghanistan," U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry announced at the NATO meeting. "Their leadership, their willingness, each of them to put themselves and their supporters to a place where they could fine compromise and put Afghanistan ahead of their personal ambitions."
NATO Secretary Gen. Jens Stoltenberg, who chaired the foreign ministers meeting, said that the presence of Afghanistan's leaders at the NATO Headquarters is a "great expression of the strong partnership between NATO and Afghanistan."
"For over a decade, NATO allies and partners have stood shoulder to shoulder with the Afghan people," Stoltenberg said. "Helping to turn Afghanistan from a safe-haven for international terrorists into a country that holds its head up high in the world."
Pointing out the recent spate of armed attacks and bombings in Kabul, U.S. Secretary of State Kerry emphasized the importance of the international community's role in the country.
"The recent wave of Taliban attacks shows how vital it is that the international community remains firm in its support for a stable, secure and prosperous Afghanistan," he said adding that Pakistan's efforts in supporting the cause will be beneficial.
Kerry added that he met with Pakistan's Army Chief of Staff who along with Ghani believes that there are a new set of possibilities between the countries.
"If Pakistan and Afghanistan can work at that in the days ahead the possibilities for greater progress with respect to cross-border violence, on-border violence, dealing with sanctuaries and other challenges could conceivably change for the better."
The Brussels meeting will be followed by another important meeting in London where the world leaders will get together to discuss their commitments to Afghanistan.
At the London Conference, the Afghan unity government will discuss their commitments in bringing reforms and fighting corruption.
"We are determined to master our destiny and overcome our past," Ghani proclaimed. (Tolonews)