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‘Allies Will take Decisions on Future of Afghanistan Mission Together’: NATO
Amid indications the United States could withdraw at least some of its troops from Afghanistan, NATO Chief says the allies are in Afghanistan together and that “will take decisions regarding the future of the mission together.”
Addressing a press conference on Thursday after the conclusion of NATO defense ministers’ two days of discussions in Brussels, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the situation in Afghanistan remains difficult. But he said they also see the ongoing peace process.
“Our Resolute Support Mission continues to train, advise and assist the Afghan security forces, as they fight terrorism and create the conditions for peace,” he said.
The United States is engaged in efforts to negotiate a peace deal between the Taliban and the Afghan government that would make room for reducing its military presence in Afghanistan.
The U.S. officials have said President Donald Trump wants to bring home about half of the 14,000 American troops from Afghanistan.
Recently, U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad met with Stoltenberg in Brussels, where him of about developments that occurred during several rounds of direct talks he has had in recent months with the Taliban representatives in Qatar.
Ambassador Khalilzad “has kept Allies closely updated of his efforts for a peace settlement,” Stoltenberg said. “We fully support those efforts. We continue to consult on the implications of a possible peace deal.”
“We are in this mission together. And we will take decisions regarding the future of the mission together. And of course, our military commanders are constantly assessing our posture, as they do for any NATO mission,” he added.
The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of Afghanistan has signed a 30-year agreement with a private company to extract marble in Daikundi province.
Under the contract, the company will invest AFN 283 million in exploring and mining marble at the “Mesh-Uliya” site, spanning 16.74 square kilometers in central Daikundi.
Hedayatullah Badri, Minister of Mines and Petroleum, stated that the marble will be processed domestically before being exported abroad. He added that the Mesh-Uliya project is expected to create around 200 jobs, and the company is committed to supporting local communities through social initiatives.
Economic experts highlight that such investments, especially those focusing on domestic processing, are crucial for job creation, boosting exports, and strengthening the national economy. Analysts further note that the project will improve local infrastructure, expand social services, and enhance the economic and social well-being of Daikundi residents.
Since the return of the Islamic Emirate to power, efforts to develop Afghanistan’s mining sector have intensified, with multiple contracts signed in areas including cement, copper, iron, and lapis lazuli, involving both domestic and international companies.
A passenger bus veered off the Salang Highway before dawn on Sunday, leaving five people dead and 44 others injured, the Ministry of Public Works said.
According to the ministry, the incident occurred at around 2:00 a.m. in the Shawol area of North Salang when a passenger bus deviated from the main road due to the driver’s negligence.
Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works, said five passengers were killed and 44 others sustained injuries. He added that personnel from the Salang Maintenance and Protection Directorate promptly arrived at the scene and transferred the injured to the Khunjān clinic for medical treatment.
The Ministry of Public Works has urged drivers and passengers traveling on the Salang Highway to strictly follow the instructions of on-duty teams, observe traffic regulations, and carry warm clothing, food supplies, and snow chains to prevent similar incidents.
The ministry also noted that heavy snowfall and stormy weather have led to the temporary closure of the highway, while road maintenance teams are continuing snow-clearing operations.
Latest News
Major fire in Mandawi Kabul market contained, extensive losses prevented
Local shopkeepers said the fire broke out around 4 a.m.
The Ministry of Interior reported that personnel from the General Directorate of Firefighting and Emergency Response successfully prevented the further spread of a fire at Mandawi market on Kabul early Sunday morning.
Abdul Mateen Qani, spokesperson for the ministry, said that the fire destroyed 10 storage facilities and 8 shops. He added that initial losses are estimated at around $700,000, but timely action by firefighting personnel saved property worth approximately $2.2 million.
Qani explained that the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit. He praised the rapid and effective containment operations, which prevented more extensive damage.
Local shopkeepers said the fire broke out around 4 a.m.
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