KABUL - Jens Stoltenberg also urged the insurgent group to fully respect the ceasefire in the hope it will lead to peace.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday in Rome the alliance warmly welcomes the ceasefire in Afghanistan and asked the Taliban to fully comply with the truce.
In a meeting with the Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, Stoltenberg said the announcement of a ceasefire in the country by the Taliban was a step forward towards a peaceful settlement.
“I welcome the ceasefire in Afghanistan that is due to start tomorrow (Tuesday). I call on the Taliban to fully respect the ceasefire and I hope it can be a first step on the road to a lasting and peaceful solution in Afghanistan,” said Stoltenberg.
The NATO chief also extended his thanks to Italy for its contribution of troops within the framework of NATO’s Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan.
He said that Italian troops are providing training to Afghan forces in order to empower them to fight terrorism in their own country.
“You play an essential role in our shared security by contributing to many different missions and operations In Afghanistan; you help train local forces in their fight against international terrorism. And I was really impressed by the professionalism and dedication of the Italian troops I met in Herat. I welcome the ceasefire in Afghanistan, due to start tomorrow. I call on the Taliban to fully respect the ceasefire,”
While the NATO coalition continues to call for a positive role by regional nations in resolving the conflict in Afghanistan, Italian premier Conte said Russia has an important role in resolving conflicts in the world.
“That Russia plays an essential role in many of the international crisis theatres is a fact. We therefore believe that without its involvement it is very difficult, if not impossible, to reach those political solutions that represent the only realistic and lasting way out from these crises,” said Conte.
Currently, an estimated 895 Italian soldiers are in Afghanistan as part of the NATO coalition. (Tolo news)