NATO, Canada all praise for Afghan forces

KABUL’s commitments to Afghan security forces in its recent defense ministers’ meeting.

The CEO, who is in Canada to attend the Halifax International Security Forum, held meetings with NATO Secretary General Jean Stoltenberg and Canadian Defense Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan on the sidelines, a statement from the CEO office in Kabul said on Sunday.

The meetings hailed Afghan security forces’ development and their courage and bravery in suppressing the Taliban and Daesh.

The NATO chief hailed Afghan forces’ achievements and their successful counterterrorism operations against Daesh and Taliban in the war-torn country.

Separately, Abdullah met Canadian Defense Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan and discussed with him matters relating to Afghan security forces, their achievements and fight against terrorism.

The CEO appreciated the assistance and sacrifices of the Canadian people and their army and stressed stronger relations between the two countries.

The new US strategy and eradication of terrorist safe havens was also discussed at the meeting, the statement said.

Foreign media reported Sajjan as telling reporters that Canada will deal with threats posed by the Islamic State, whether they come from afar or closer to home.

Representatives from more than 70 countries are attending the three-day forum in Halifax, which bills itself as an annual gathering of democratic leaders committed to global security and prosperity.

Topics on the agenda include the role of women in peacemaking, Russian relations, nuclear weapons and climate change.

nh/ma