NATO Secretary General in Afghanistan
NATO’s newly appointed Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, arrived in Afghanistan today to meet with Afghan Government leaders, United Nations representatives and the Commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), in order to get a comprehensive view of the international effort.
On the first day of his visit, the Secretary General met with President Karzai and other senior government officials, the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary General Kai Eide, and General Stanley A. McChrystal, who commands over 60,000 ISAF troops.
“NATO’s number one operational priority is Afghanistan and it is my top priority, which is why I am here, less than a week of taking over as NATO Secretary General”, said Mr Rasmussen to media accompanying him on the aircraft with Admiral James Stavridis, Supreme Allied Commander Europe. “I am here to listen to the Afghans and to our international partners and show that I am committed to seeing Afghanistan firmly back on its feet as quickly as possible".
The Secretary General will also meet with Presidential candidates, when he will stress the importance of a credible election process that reflects the will of Afghan people. Anders Fogh Rasmussen will also visit selected Provincial Reconstruction Teams and meet with troops on the ground.