NATO to continue supporting Afghan forces: Stoltenberg

KABUL (Pajhwik): As we end our military presence in Afghanistan, we are opening a new chapter. NATO’s future support will have three main pillars, the allience secretary General said today.

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Friday (21 May 2021) to discuss preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit on 14 June. NATO said in a statement.

The two leaders also discussed the fight against terrorism in Iraq, the Sahel region, and Afghanistan.

Addressing the end of the Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan, the Secretary General said: “As we end our military presence, we are opening a new chapter. NATO’s future support will have three main pillars. First, we plan to provide advice and capacity support to Afghan security institutions, as well as continued financial support to the Afghan security forces. Second, we are planning to provide military education and training outside Afghanistan, focusing on Special Operations Forces.  And third, we are planning to fund the provision of services, including support for the functioning of Kabul airport. All this will enable NATO Allies and the broader international community to continue to help the Afghan people and contribute to the peace efforts.” The statement said.

The two leaders also addressed the situation in Ukraine, with Mr Stoltenberg noting Russia still has more troops in and around Ukraine than before the recent escalation.

The Secretary General called for a peaceful resolution, commending France’s role in the Normandy format.