KABUL - The NATO chief has told Russia that the best way to achieve stability in the region is to support the incumbent government in Kabul.
NATO and Russia had a “frank exchange” on the security situation in Afghanistan, including the regional terrorist threats, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said.
After a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council in Brussels, he said: “Our analyses differ considerably but we all share the same interest in ensuring security and stability in Afghanistan.”
According to international media, Russia provided a briefing on its policy toward Afghanistan while the allies set out NATO’s substantial efforts to strengthen the Afghan security forces.
Stoltenberg remarked: “It’s important that everybody support the national unity government. This is the best way to help fight terrorists in Afghanistan and achieve greater stability for the region.”
The secretary-general said Russia denied backing the Taliban. He promised NATO would continue supporting the Afghan government and training its security forces.
General John Nicholson, top NATO commander in Afghanistan, had alleged in February that Russia had significantly stepped up support to the Taliban to weaken the US and its allies. (Pajhwok)