Opening remarks

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is really an honour and pleasure to welcome to this first meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers together with our partners within the Resolute Support framework.

And I would also very much like to extend a warm welcome to President Ghani and to his delegation. Also a warm welcome to Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah and National Security Advisor Atmar. Thank you for being together with us tonight.

This year, despite great challenges, Afghanistan  has taken decisive steps on its path towards democracy, peace and prosperity. A peaceful transfer of authority. A new National Unity Government.  And the ratification of two key security agreements with NATO and the United States.

And today, I am confident that we will take another  important step together:  that is that we are going to launch our new mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Security Forces, the Resolute Support Mission. This will open a new chapter in our relationship.

For over a decade, we have stood shoulder to shoulder. We have achieved what we set out to do. Today, our nations are safer, and Afghanistan is stronger.

At the end of the year, the Afghan Security forces will be fully in charge of security across the country. They have shown great courage and capability. And with our new mission, we will continue to support them to get even stronger. 

We will also provide funding for the Afghan forces. And we will develop our long-term partnership with Afghanistan. We also count on our Afghan partners to deliver on the commitments they have made to the international community.

Further progress on good governance, the rule of law, and human rights – including the rights of women.

Afghanistan’s future is now in the hands of the Afghans. But we will continue to support Afghanistan as it charts its future course. 

[Remarks by President Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah]