KABUL, Afghanistan: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is ready to open a new chapter in its relationship with Afghanistan, the alliance’s Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday.
In a joint press conference with the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, the NATO secretary general said that the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has achieved what it set out to do.
“We have made our nations safer by pursuing the international terrorists who used Afghanistan as a safe haven to launch horrific attacks. And we have made Afghanistan stronger by helping to build capable national security forces,” he was quoted as saying by Khaama Press.
“Next year, we will open a new chapter. The future of Afghanistan will be in Afghan hands. But our support will continue,” Stoltenberg added.
“Together, we have created the conditions for a better future for Afghan men, women and children”, he said.
The NATO secretary general further said “This progress has come at great cost. To NATO, our partners, and to Afghanistan. We will hold those who lost their lives in our memory. And we must honor them by remaining committed to our common efforts.”
Earlier, Jens Stoltenberg arrived in Afghanistan for his first trip to the country since taking office last month as the new NATO Secretary General.
