Opening remarks

by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the meeting of the North Atlantic Council with Resolute Support Operational Partner Nations and Potential Operational Partner Nations

  • 25 Oct. 2019 -
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  • Last updated: 25 Oct. 2019 12:11

(As delivered)

Opening remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg

So I think we are ready to start. If you can find your seats then we can start this meeting.
So good afternoon.
This meeting will focus on NATO’s mission in Afghanistan. It remains a top priority for our Alliance and for our partners.
We will review the security situation, and the next steps following last month’s presidential elections.

Our support to Afghanistan, with both forces and funding, remains steadfast.
NATO has supported the US-led peace talks, and we would welcome it if they resumed.
But the Taliban have to make real concessions. And show real willingness to reduce violence.
So we will continue to support the Afghan security forces, as they fight international terrorism and create the conditions for peace.
And this ends the public part of this meeting.
So I thank the media for attending the opening of the meeting and we’ll continue in just a moment.