NATO and its allies “strongly support efforts to find a peaceful solution” for Afghanistan. This was stated by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, speaking at a virtual press conference on NATO’s 2020 report.
“We welcome the agreement between the US and the Taliban last year, which is why we also support efforts to make progress in the peace process through negotiations. I think it is extremely important that all regional actors take part in it, they bear their part of the responsibility for facilitating the peace process”, – Stoltenberg added.
In addition, the NATO chief said that at a meeting of NATO foreign ministers next week, the organization will discuss a deadline for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan.
“We will of course evaluate, discuss and consult as we approach the May 1st deadline. However, we will continue to assist the Afghan security forces in the form of training, advice and funding. After discussion, we will make a collegial decision, since we are 30 allies. Although we remember that the main initiative in terms of NATO’s presence in Afghanistan belongs to the United States, now most of the international troops in Afghanistan do not belong to the United States. This demonstrates the strong commitment of European allies, partners around the world, to continue to participate in NATO’s mission in Afghanistan”, – Stoltenberg said.
As reported by EADaily, there are currently about 2,500 US troops in Afghanistan, and taking into account various special forces that do not appear in official reports, 3,500. The Joe Biden administration is reviewing the decision of the previous US President Donald Trump to withdraw all troops from Afghanistan as soon as possible. In this regard, NATO does not make independent decisions, but is waiting for the go-ahead from Washington.