MONITORING (SW) – Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, has said Washington is working closely with NATO and other partners in Afghanistan.
In a tweet on Saturday, he noted the U.S. and partners will coordinate adjustments in their presence in Afghanistan together. “And, if we leave, we will leave together. Together for peace and security for Afghanistan and for us all”.
Sir Nick Kay, NATO Senior Civilian Representative to Afghanistan, has backed the remarks by Ambassador Khalilzad. “Well said @US4AfghanPeace – @NATO allies and partners united in search for peace in Afghanistan”, he tweeted in reply to the remarks made by the U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan.
Analysts in Afghanistan believe the U.S. and NATO forces are playing pivotal role in arming and training the nascent Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF), and their abrupt withdrawal would pose serious threats to stability in Afghanistan.
Currently, an estimated 16,000 foreign troops are stationed in Afghanistan as part of the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan.
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