KABUL - The NATO secretary-general has underlined the need for continued international support to Afghanistan’s security forces.
After a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council in Brussels, Jens Stoltenberg said on Friday they discussed the challenging security situation in Afghanistan.
“It is in all our interests to continue helping the Afghan forces to provide for their own security. That is what NATO and our partners are doing with training and funding them,” he said.
As allied foreign ministers prepare to meet on how to address NATO’s adaptation to a changing security environment. Stoltenberg added it was important for all actors to support Afghan-owned reconciliation efforts.
“We will reaffirm the vital bond between Europe and North America, on which our security relies, and pave the way for the Brussels meeting of NATO Heads of State and Government on the 25th of May.”
In the first working session today (Friday), the ministers will look at how to further strengthen the transatlantic bond, with higher and better defence spending and fairer burden-sharing across the alliance.
“NATO’s role in fighting terrorism and projecting stability will also be on the agenda. We will take stock of our work with partners, including our efforts in Iraq, where our training will help the Iraqi forces fight ISIL and our counter-IED courses will help save lives. (Pajhwok)