Foreign ministers from NATO and ISAF partner nations made progress in shaping NATO’s long-term support to Afghanistan at a meeting in Brussels on Tuesday (23 April 2013).

“Today we agreed on the means to ensure transparency and accountability in our future funding mechanisms of the Afghan security forces. This is an important pillar of the international community’s wider commitment to sustaining Afghanistan in the years to come,” NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said.

NATO’s contribution to the long-term sustainment of the Afghan National Army is one aspect of NATO’s engagement in Afghanistan after the ISAF mission is completed at the end of 2014. It is an integral part of the broader international community’s efforts to support the long-term financial sustainment of the Afghan security forces. A new mission to continue to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Army and Police after 2014 will complement NATO’s long-term commitment in the country.

“Our engagement will enter a new and different chapter, with a mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan security forces,” Mr Fogh Rasmussen said. Planning for this mission is currently underway.

“The range of our commitment to Afghanistan is unprecedented. We have provided resources and skills to the Afghan forces along with time and space so they can grow strong,” the Secretary General said, while stressing that much work remains to be done. “We will not walk away.”

He stressed that NATO’s partnership with Afghanistan is based on mutual commitment.

“The overnment of Afghanistan has made clear commitments to hold credible elections; to fight corruption; to uphold human rights; and to enforce the rule of law. We commend the efforts made so far, and the continued efforts of the government of Afghanistan will pave the way for our continued support for years to come,” the Secretary General said.

(MoD HDF)