NATO summit begins, Afghanistan on agenda

KABUL (Pajhwok): NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday said the alliance was ending its military mission in Afghanistan, but would continue to support the Afghans and the Afghan security forces.

“We will do that partly through our civilian presence, where we will provide support, advice, to the Afghan security institutions. We will continue to provide funding for Afghan security forces, that is a commitment that all Allies have made,” the NATO chief told reporters in Brussels ahead of the Brussels summit that began today.

He said they were working now on how to provide out-of-country training for the Afghan security forces.

“And we’re also working on how can we maintain [and] support critical infrastructure, including the airport. NATO is planning to provide support and also some NATO Allies are now in direct dialogue, including the United States and Turkey and others, on how to make sure that we can maintain an international airport in Kabul.”

Stoltenberg said they were clear-eyed about the risks that the decision to end military presence entailed, but at the same time, they would continue to support the Afghans.

So we are ending our military mission in Afghanistan, but we will continue to support the Afghans, and provide support to the Afghan security forces. We will do that partly through our civilian presence, where we will provide support, advice, to the Afghan security institutions .He said,

Stoltenberg said  “This is of course important for NATO Allies, but it’s also important for the whole international community for diplomatic presence, and also for continued development aid. So, in essence, we have been there for almost 20 years. The intention was never to be there forever. We are clear-eyed about the risks that the decision to end our military presence entails, but at the same time, we will continue to support the Afghans.”

“Today I really look forward to welcoming all the NATO Leaders to our summit. We meet at a pivotal moment for our Alliance. And today we will open a new chapter in our transatlantic relations.” He said,
The Leaders will discuss a wide range of issues, among them Russia. And our relationship with Russia is at its lowest point since the end of the Cold War. This is due to Russia’s aggressive actions. Stoltenberg added.
I am confident that the NAO Leaders will confirm our dual track approach to Russia: strong defence combined with dialogue.  And I’m sure that the NATO Leaders will welcome the opportunity to consult with President Biden ahead of his meeting with President Putin.
We will also address China. There are of course opportunities and we need to engage with China on issues like climate change, arms control. But China’s military build-up, growing influence and coercive behaviour also poses some challenges to our security. He said.

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