Defence Ministers discuss key priorities in Afghanistan
NATO Defence Ministers discussed with their ISAF partners the key challenges in Afghanistan and stressed their strong commitment to support the August elections, a strategic priority of the Afghan people and the international community.
In an informal meeting in Krakow (Poland), Ministers welcomed the US announcement of more troops to Afghanistan and agreed that there is also a need for an equal civilian surge : more development, more support for government and more institution building.
Ministers pointed out once again their determination to continue to prevent civilian casualties caused by ISAF forces and expressed the need for a regional approach. They also highlighted the importance of reform in the Afghan government and considered the efforts undertaken by ISAF in the context of an expanded supporting role in the fight on counter-narcotics.
Allied Ministers reviewed the situation in Kosovo and welcomed the fact that the security situation has remained calm, despite the complex political environment.
They also discussed the role the Alliance should play in future with regard to fighting piracy and welcomed the fact that another Standing NATO Maritime Group will contribute in the coming months to the overall international effort off the coast of Somalia.