26 Apr. 2004

Secretary General discusses Afghanistan in Norway News 23/04/2004 - NATO NATO Secretary General to visit Norway on monday, 26 April 2004 22/03/2004 - NATO Summit Meetings of Heads of State and Government Background NATO in Afghanistan NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer paid a one-day visit to Oslo on 26 April for meetings on the Alliance’s mission in Afghanistan and key issues on NATO’s agenda. The Secretary General met with Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik, Foreign Minister Jan Petersen, Defence Minister Kristin Krohn Devold and with the members of the Committees of Foreign Affairs and Defence of the Norwegian Parliament. Mr. de Hoop Scheffer also had an audience with His Majesty King Harald V. Commitment to Afghanistan Top on the agenda in the meetings was NATO’s role in Afghanistan and the planned expansion of NATO’s role in the country. The Secretary General welcomed indications received from Prime Minister Bondevik that Norway would contribute additional capabilities to Afghanistan, so that the Alliance could take on the command of more Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs). Mr. de Hoop Scheffer also discussed the main issues on the Alliance’s agenda ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit in Istanbul, 28-29 June. The Summit is expected to see an expansion of NATO’s partnership programme with countries from the Mediterranean and Middle East.