This is time for Afghans to show national unity in the national interest not only to achieve peace but also to fight coronavirus, NATO chief said on Thursday.
Speaking at a press conference after a meeting of NATO foreign ministers, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that they discussed also Afghanistan and “our continued commitment to long-term peace and stability in the country.”
He said that to support the peace efforts, NATO is reducing its presence in Afghanistan to around 12,000 troops by the summer.
He added that no decision for a further reduction had been taken and noted that “all of our steps will be conditions-based.”
Stoltenberg welcomed “efforts to set up an inclusive team for the inter-Afghan negotiations.”
He called on the Taliban and all political actors to play their part.
“This includes reducing violence,” he said.
