June 15, 2021
NATO leaders’ summit was held on Monday in Brussels, after which the USS president Joe Biden addressed a press conference saying “there was a strong consensus in the room, among the leaders, in that meeting, on Afghanistan,” restating that the alliance will continue its support to Afghans after the withdrawal of international forces from the country.
“Our troops are coming home, but we agreed that our diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian commitment to the Afghan people and our support for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces will endure,” Biden said.
He further added that “I welcomed our Allies and partners to recognize that counterterrorism — that counterterrorism efforts must continue to ensure that Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven for attacks on our countries.”
On Monday, the NATO leaders at the Brussels summit agreed to maintain funding for the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul after the Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan ends.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the RS mission is ending but NATO will continue supporting Afghanistan in four ways: funding Afghan forces, out-of-country training for Afghan forces, a continued civilian presence, and maintaining “critical infrastructure” such as the Kabul airport. He also mentioned that NATO and allies are working to ensure the continued operation of an international airport in Kabul.
In a sideline meeting, the role Turkey can play in the post-withdrawal Afghanistan was discussed.
NATO leaders in a statement issued from the Brussels summit affirmed their commitment to continue to stand with Afghanistan, its people, and its institutions in promoting security and upholding the hard-won gains of the last 20 years.
“Recalling our previous commitments, NATO will continue to provide training and financial support to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, including through the Afghan National Army Trust Fund,” the statement said.
“We will also step up dialogue on Afghanistan with relevant international and regional partners,” the statement said. “We continue to support the ongoing Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process, and call on all stakeholders to help Afghanistan foster a lasting inclusive political settlement that puts an end to violence; safeguards the human rights of Afghans, particularly women, children, and minorities; upholds the rule of law; and ensures that Afghanistan never again serves as a safe haven for terrorists.”
© Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) and Afghan Studies Center (ASC), Islamabad.
