7-8 Feb.
2008
NATO Defence Ministers met in Vilnius on 7 February to take a long term look at the Alliance's key challenges in Afghanistan and to reaffirm their solid commitment to maintain KFOR’s presence in Kosovo.
Allied ministers highlighted the progress made in the security situation in Afghanistan.
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer stressed the need to show flexibility and share risks. He called on Allies to provide more capabilities to fulfil the mission.
NATO ministers pointed out that success in Afghanistan is not only NATO's job and that it takes a comprehensive effort.
Allied ministers will be joined at a special session by non-NATO ISAF contributors together with the UN, EU, World Bank and Afghan Defence Minister Wardak to exchange views on the shared responsibilities of the international community and the Afghan authorities in Afghanistan.
Defence Ministers also met with non-NATO KFOR contributors to review KFOR's state of readiness and ensure that it can continue to guarantee security through this volatile period.
Ministers agreed that KFOR has the forces, the reserve and the mandate it requires and that it will continue to ensure a safe and secure environment in Kosovo under UNSCR 1244.
Allied Defence Ministers also met with their Ukrainian counterpart Yuriy Yekhanurov in an informal session of the NATO-Ukraine Commission (NUC). Ministers appreciated the information provided by Mr. Yekhanurov on the new government's priorities in security and defence policy and stress the importance of solid implementation. The Secretary General mentioned that Ukraine is the only NATO partner that contributes to all missions and operations of the Alliance as a firm exporter of security.
