NATO leaders agreed on Monday to provide transitional funding to ensure continued functioning of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul after the alliance’s military mission ends.
In a statement following their summit in Brussels, NATO leaders said that they will continue to provide training and financial support to the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces, including through the Afghan National Army Trust Fund.
NATO will also retain a Senior Civilian Representative’s Office in Kabul to continue diplomatic engagement and enhance its partnership with Afghanistan.
“Recognising its importance to an enduring diplomatic and international presence, as well as to Afghanistan’s connectivity with the world, NATO will provide transitional funding to ensure continued functioning of Hamid Karzai International Airport,” the statement said.
“We will also step up dialogue on Afghanistan with relevant international and regional partners,” the statement said.
NATO leaders also reaffirmed support for the Afghan peace process.
“We continue to support the ongoing Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process, and call on all stakeholders to help Afghanistan foster a lasting inclusive political settlement that puts an end to violence; safeguards the human rights of Afghans, particularly women, children, and minorities; upholds the rule of law; and ensures that Afghanistan never again serves as a safe haven for terrorists,” the statement said.
