12 Feb. 2004

Afghanistan focus of Secretary General’s UK visit News 11/02/2004 - NATO NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, to visit the United Kingdom Background NATO in Afghanistan Opinions Edited transcript of press conference given by the UK Foreign Secretary, the UK Secretary of State for Defence, and the Secretary General of NATO, in London, 12 February 2004 Speech by NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer at the International Institute for Strategic Studies London, UK Links NAVNORTH website Photo courtesy of Foreign and Commonwealth office - United Kingdom NATO Secretary General de Hoop Scheffer welcomed the British government’s contribution to an expansion of NATO’s mission in Afghanistan during a visit to London on 12 February. Mr. de Hoop Scheffer traveled to the United Kingdom as part of his round of welcome visits to NATO countries. He met with Prime Minister Tony Blair, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon. He also delivered a policy address at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. “We have work to do in Afghanistan,” said the Secretary General in his address, “To succeed, Afghanistan needs more support. More Provincial Reconstruction Teams [PRTs] need to be deployed into the provinces. ISAF and the PRTs must receive all the equipment and personnel they need to do to job.” In this context the Secretary General welcomed the British government's decision to set up a new Provincial Reconstruction Team in the north of Afghanistan, and to contribute to a forward operating base as well. The expansion of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan was one of the main issues discussed during the visit. The Secretary General also spoke about the future of NATO’s operations in the Balkans, the situation in Iraq and preparations for the upcoming Summit meeting of NATO Heads of State and Government. Apart from his meetings in London, Mr. de Hoop Scheffer also paid a working visit to NATO's Allied Naval Forces North HQ at NATO Headquarters in Northwood, for briefings on NATO maritime operations and the Permanent Joint Headquarters at Northwood.