NATO leaders on the day two of their summit in Brussels on Thursday reiterated their call to the Taliban to engage credibly in the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process — the only pathway to a sustainable resolution.
The call from leaders of the western military alliance comes as the Taliban killed dozens of security forces in their attacks across Afghanistan on Thursday.
In their joint statement, the NATO leaders agreed they would respect and support a negotiated and durable political settlement led by Afghans.
They encouraged Pakistan to continue to act on its stated support for a political solution to the Afghanistan conflict, to close terrorist sanctuaries and to work to prevent terrorist financial flows and cross-border attacks, including by working with its neighbours.
The NATO summit welcomed finalisation of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity.
In the presence of Afghan leaders President Ashraf Ghani and CEO Abdullah Abdullah, the NATO countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to Afghanistan’s long-term security and stability.
“The people of Afghanistan demand peace and we are encouraged by the momentum building in that direction. We remain united in our commitment to help Afghanistan attain it,” the joint statement read.
The leaders also paid tribute to sacrifices and resilience of the Afghan people and the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces.
A political solution to the conflict with the Taliban, based on national consensus, will be essential in order to achieve sustainable stability and security, the statement said.
NATO Allies and Operational Partners welcomed the Afghan government’s unprecedented offer of unconditional peace talks to the Taliban.
NATO allies and partners have increased force-levels to maximise the ability to train, advise and assist the Afghan forces and agreed to extend financial sustainment of the Afghan forces through 2024.
