NATO Chief in Afghanistan to reaffirm continued engagement

KABUL, Nov 06 (NNI): As the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission is concluding at the end of this year, the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is visiting Afghanistan to reaffirm the alliance’s continued engagement.

Stoltenberg will take stock of the progress made during the 13 year ISAF mission and launch of the new Resolute Support mission on January 1.

A statement released by NATO said the Secretary General witnessed the growing capability of the Afghan commando units at the Afghan National Army Special Operations Command at Camp Morehead in Kabul.

Mr. Stoltenberg said quoted in the statement said “I have seen a highly trained, experienced and professional force.”

“For over a year, Afghan soldiers and police have led security operations across the country, and at the end of this year, you will take full charge of security. But you will not stand alone. NATO and our partners will continue to support you,” Stoltenberg said.

The Secretary General is also expected to meet with President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah during his visit to Afghanistan.

According to the statement by NATO, Mr. Stoltenberg has also met with General John Campbell, Commander of ISAF and other senior ISAF officers, NATO Senior Civilian Representative Ambassador Maurits Jochems and other representatives of the Kabul diplomatic corps.