NATO Welcomes US-Taliban Agreement, Will Maintain Presence In Afghanistan - Stoltenberg
Faizan Hashmi Published April 03, 2020 | 02:10 PM
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 03rd April, 2020) NATO allies have welcomed the recently signed peace deal between the United States and the Taliban, and the alliance remains committed to Afghanistan and will maintain its presence in the country during ongoing intra-Afghan negotiations, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday during a virtual press briefing.
Stoltenberg spoke to reporters after the conclusion of a video conference containing the foreign ministers of the alliance's member states. The secretary general said that NATO's aim in Afghanistan was to create the conditions for lasting peace and stability in the country.
"Therefore, we strongly support the peace efforts, we welcome the agreement between the Taliban and the United States," the secretary general said.
NATO insists that the best way to support the ongoing efforts to secure peace in Afghanistan is to maintain the alliance's military presence in the country, in order to send a message to the Taliban, Stoltenberg said.
"The best way for NATO to support the peace efforts is to remain committed with our presence in Afghanistan because by doing so we are sending a clear message to the Taliban, and to any other adversary, that they will not win on the battlefield, they have to sit down and make real compromises at the negotiating table," he remarked.
Additionally, Stoltenberg reiterated NATO's support for the Afghan government, adding that the alliance will continue to offer financial support and maintain its training mission in the country.
On February 29, the US and the Taliban signed a peace agreement in the Qatari capital of Doha after a week-long commitment to reduce violence held. The deal stated that talks between the Taliban and Afghan government would begin on March 10, although this deadline has passed due to the country's electoral crisis and both sides disagreeing on the release of Taliban prisoners.
Earlier on Thursday, the delegations of the Afghan government and the Taliban movement exchanged lists of prisoners who will be returned to their respective sides, paving the way for the beginning of talks.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Interior Minister visits site of under construction Jail in Islamabad
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 10 May 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 10 May 2024
London, Frankfurt stocks hit record highs on rate-cut hopes
May 9 culprits must be brought to logical end: Hanif Abbasi
Sanchez escapes through dust and gravel for nervy Giro triumph
Balochistan Assembly passes resolution to condemn May 9 attacks
Spain govt vows to block hostile BBVA bid for rival bank
NADRA holds open court to resolve public issues in Quetta
In south Brazil, race on to deliver aid ahead of new storms
Appeals against cipher case verdict adjourned till May 15
PIPS collaborates with CfP to enhance technological, educational infrastructure
More Stories From World
-
Chip giant TSMC's April revenue jumps 60% on-year
22 minutes ago -
Chip giant TSMC's April revenue jumps 60% on-year
42 minutes ago -
Egypt says Hamas, Israel must show 'flexibility' to seal Gaza truce deal
1 hour ago -
Man shoots two officers in Paris police station: source close to case
1 hour ago -
Iceland's 'Mammoth' raises potential for carbon capture
2 hours ago -
CPEC the crown jewel in China, Pakistan friendship: Ahsan Iqbal
2 hours ago
-
UK foreign minister David Cameron: life after Brexit
2 hours ago -
Man shoots 2 officers in Paris police station after grabbing gun
3 hours ago -
Panama president-elect pledges to deport migrants who cross Darien Gap
3 hours ago -
Slain Australian surfers' bodies arrive in US on journey home
3 hours ago -
Olympiakos make history by reaching Europa Conference League final
4 hours ago -
S. Africa's top court hears critical Zuma election case
4 hours ago