NATO Summit concludes with focus on Special Forces, AAF

BRUSSELS (SW) – Following two days of extensive deliberations to strengthen the Alliance’s deterrence and defense, the NATO Summit in Brussels wrapped up on Thursday.

According to the Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, NATO members discussed efforts to improve leadership and effectiveness as well as the strength of the Special Forces and the Afghan Air Force. The alliance also issued a 12-point declaration pledging to continue funding Afghan forces through 2024.

In regard to funding, the NATO Secretary General said now it has been decided to provide around $ 4 billion per year to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) up to 2024. 

“The current level of funding from non-US allies and partners is around $1 billion, if you add what we give to something called the ANA Trust Fund and to the Afghan National Army and also to the UN managed trust fund for police, LOTFA.  The exact numbers varies a bit year by year.  But the commitment is close to or is $1 billion so it is something around there.  But it varies a bit from year to year”, he said responding to a question posed by Salam Watandar. 

He added these funds and the trainers provided by NATO will be used to strengthen the s operation forces, the new air forces and to improve command and control to develop and build the military academies and military schools.

The NATO Secretary General also expressed strong support for Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani’s ‘bold peace proposal’. And, our continued commitment will strengthen Afghanistan in its efforts to create the conditions for lasting peace and reconciliation, he said.

In regard to counter-corruption measures, the alliance would support efforts to combat corruption, including in security structures as described in the roadmap as well as other government structures. It urged the Kabul government to demonstrate further progress on governmental reforms such as merit-based promotion and to fulfill agreed conditions related to financial support, and promote transparency, accountability and inclusivity.

 Article 10 of the declaration suggest the Afghan government has pledged to take further steps to protect children from the damaging effects of armed conflict and from violations of their rights, as required by UNSCR 1612 and other relevant UN Security Council resolutions, as well as ensuring the protection of civilians.

ENDS