US, NATO promise continued support for Afghanistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): The withdrawal of all US forces from Afghanistan by September 11 is proceeding well, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says.

The US remained committed to helping NATO partners as they are also exiting the war-torn country, the secretary said on Monday.

At a joint Pentagon news briefing with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, Austin spoke of a new relationship with Afghanistan.

Anadolu Agency quoted the US defense chief as saying: “I’m confident that as Resolute Support begins to stand down, we will transition to a new relationship with Afghanistan and with the Afghan forces.”

The new relationship with Afghanistan, the secretary added, continued to help them meet their responsibilities to their citizens.

For his part, the NATO secretary-general promised the alliance would continue supporting the Afghan government even after member states left the country.

Stoltenberg explained Afghanistan would continue received NATO support through its continued civilian presence in Afghanistan.

The visiting NATO chief hinted at military aid to Afghanistan and potentially additional training for its security forces.

The Norwegian politician said: “We need to work together with the partners, as we now end our military presence in Afghanistan.”

PAN Monitor/mud

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