Strengthening Afghanistan–NATO Cooperation for Security and Stability

Speech at the Joint Press Conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Kabul

Keypoints: 

• Appreciation for NATO Support: Thanks to NATO and partner countries.
• Honoring Sacrifices: Recognition of fallen and injured NATO and Afghan forces.
• Afghan Security Responsibility: Afghan forces leading national security.
• NATO Assistance: Training, advice, & funding through the Resolute Support Mission.
• Strengthening Institutions: Building professional and accountable security institutions.
• Fighting Corruption: Commitment to eliminating corruption.
• Human Rights: Respect for constitutional and human rights values.
• Security Development: Improving Afghan military and air capabilities.
• Peace Process: Importance of peace negotiations.
• Future Cooperation: Continued Afghanistan–NATO partnership.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Mr. Secretary General, your esteemed delegation, high-ranking officials of the Afghan government, dear journalists, and dear compatriots: Peace be upon you, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.

Today is a day of honor for us that you have visited Afghanistan. Last year, you proved your friendship, commitment, and coordination with both our citizens and the world. At the outset, I wish to pay my respects and offer my gratitude to the 3,500 NATO personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice—giving their lives shoulder-to-shoulder with our forces for the freedom of this land. At the same time, between 25,000 and 30,000 NATO personnel have been wounded in Afghanistan.

Mr. Secretary General, my request on behalf of all the Afghan Armed Forces—who have fought side-by-side with them—is that you convey our deepest respect to the families of the NATO wounded, and express our sincere condolences to the families of those who have passed away. I also express my gratitude to all NATO partner nations and the countries that participated with us in the ISAF mission.

The past year was a year of testing. Following the conclusion of the NATO and ISAF combat mission, the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces diligently took the full responsibility of defending the nation upon their shoulders. At this stage, I want to express my gratitude for the sacrifices of Afghanistan's martyrs and the wounded. The Afghan security and defense forces, every one of whom is a volunteer, have proven their commitment to this nation. Despite it being a difficult year with many sacrifices, we can say with honor and credibility that they ensured the survival of the state and preserved our Constitution and our values.

But we were not alone. Within the framework of the Resolute Support Mission—of which you [addressing the Secretary General] were among the architects and implementers—you stood with us, and for this continued attention, I express my gratitude once again.

Furthermore, when the Resolute Support Mission was first proposed, its duration was intended to be short. However, through the wise leadership you provided, alongside our international friends—the President of the United States, the Presidents and Prime Ministers of Europe, and other countries, especially Turkey—Resolute Support was extended within and outside of NATO. We thank them all.

In 2016, based on the credibility, trust, and the political and strategic cooperation agreements between us, we move forward with confidence, God willing. The upcoming Warsaw Summit is one of the most significant steps we will take together.

The people of Afghanistan have one message: building credible institutions requires a comprehensive struggle against corruption in all its forms. Our soldiers and officers on the front lines, in particular, always demand that institutions be professional, accountable, transparent, and committed. They ask that there be no political interference in the professional and national character, or the Islamic values, that have always guided our security and defense forces.

We wish to provide you and the people of the world the confidence that our fight against administrative corruption will be comprehensive and permanent. We are also proud that the vast majority of our security and defense forces adhere to our constitutional values and human rights standards. Even in the most difficult conditions, the Afghan Army has remained committed to and observant of human rights, and training and education in this field will increase day by day.

[Addressing the Secretary General]: Once again, on behalf of the government and people of Afghanistan, and as your friend, I welcome your arrival. I especially welcome the fact that you are spending two days in Afghanistan to observe all aspects personally. Welcome!

Speech by Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg

Thank you, His Excellency President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani! Thank you for the warm welcome to Kabul and for your tireless efforts in fostering cooperation between NATO and Afghanistan. I also want to thank you for our personal friendship, the work we have accomplished together, and our many years of partnership.

We have just concluded a very important and productive meeting where we discussed the challenges we currently face. I also want to thank His Excellency Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and other high-ranking government officials for joining us in today’s session. Many thanks!

Today, we jointly assessed the security situation. We reviewed the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s progress regarding reforms and discussed NATO’s continued support for the country.

2015 was a difficult year for Afghan forces. Despite major challenges, they assumed full responsibility for nationwide security, demonstrating immense courage and a strong commitment. The Afghan forces stand strong today to protect the people of this country.

Their capabilities are increasing day by day, and they are now actively participating in aerial operations. To give you an example regarding new aircraft: in 2015, the Afghan Air Force participated in more than 20,000 missions—double the amount of the previous year. This is just one example of the progress made by the Afghan Air Force.

The Afghan security forces are not alone; NATO and its partners have been working alongside them for over a decade. Yes, the cost has been high, but together we have made significant progress in the fight against terrorism. We must thank the brave men and women of our security forces. We express our gratitude to those who have lost their lives; their sacrifice will not be forgotten.

NATO continues its support through the Resolute Support Mission, focusing on training, advice, and assistance. We also provide financial aid to ensure that Afghan security forces remain vigilant in the long term to protect the people and suppress terrorism. Therefore, our commitment to Afghanistan is strong and enduring; we are close partners.

The work accomplished by the National Unity Government is truly excellent. As the President and I discussed, further reforms are necessary for Afghanistan’s long-term success. This means security institutions must be strengthened, leadership positions must remain stable, and effective mechanisms must be created to eliminate administrative corruption. It also means investing more in security forces and ensuring that human rights—specifically the rights of women and children—are upheld.

The peace process is another key element for long-term security, and we welcome recent signs of progress in this area.

President Ghani, I thank you; and I thank Mr. Abdullah Abdullah as well. Thank you for your excellent leadership. Today, I invite both of you to participate in the Warsaw Summit this July. I am honored that you have both accepted our invitation. This will be an opportunity to review our shared efforts and deepen our relationship.

President Ghani, we are keen to remain your partner in the months and years ahead. As you work toward a safer and more secure country, you have a strong friend and partner in NATO.

Thank you!