BRUSSELS (SW): The NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, on Thursday welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire made by President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani.
Addressing journalists at the NATO headquarters prior to the meetings of NATO Defence Ministers, he said this is a positive step forward on the path to peace. “NATO fully supports an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process”.
He said NATO leaders would conclude on Friday by meeting with Resolute Support partners to discuss the mission in Afghanistan. Despite continuing challenges, the Afghan forces are doing an outstanding job and developing their capabilities. We are stepping up our support – with both forces and funding. We have added 3,000 more trainers to our mission, he said.
Mr. Stoltenberg said at the NATO Summit next month, Allies are expected to agree to extend funding for the Afghan forces to 2024. “Our presence in Afghanistan helps Afghans stabilise their country, fight international terrorism, and create the conditions for a peaceful solution", he added.
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