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NATO foreign ministers to discuss lessons learned in Afghanistan: Stoltenberg
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Friday that foreign ministers will next week discuss the organization’s engagement in Afghanistan and “identify the right lessons for future crisis management operations”.
Outlining the priorities to be discussed at the upcoming NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting in Riga, Latvia, from Tuesday, Stoltenberg said: “Following the rapid collapse of the Afghan government and armed forces in Afghanistan in August, I launched a comprehensive assessment of our engagement.”
He said NATO went into Afghanistan “to prevent terrorists from using the country again to attack us.
“And since 9/11, there has been no terrorist attack against our countries from Afghanistan.
“But we must recognize that over the years, the international community set a level of ambition that went well beyond the original aim of fighting terrorism.
“And on that, we were not able to deliver. Despite our sacrifice and considerable investment,” he said adding that he expects ministers to discuss this and to “identify the right lessons for our future crisis management operations”.
Stoltenberg also noted that the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan “is dire, dire, and very difficult and this is of course of great concern for all of us. And winter is coming. And we know that many people are at risk of suffering and having a very difficult time throughout the winter.”
He said he welcomed moves by NATO Allies to provide humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, which he said was “extremely important and something which demonstrates the will, and the commitment, of NATO Allies to continue to support the people of Afghanistan.”
He also touched on Pakistan and said: “NATO has had regular contacts with Pakistan for many, many years. Of course, not least discussing the situation in Afghanistan. We have political contacts, we have regular military contacts and dialogue and I think this is important that this continues because there are still many challenges in the region, especially related to the future of Afghanistan.”
Stoltenberg also said the ministers will address the continuing build-up of Russian forces in and around Ukraine, saying: “It raises tensions and it risks miscalculation. Russia must show transparency, reduce tensions and de-escalate. NATO’s approach to Russia remains unchanged. We keep our defense and deterrence strong while remaining open for dialogue.”
NATO Foreign Ministers will also address the migrant “situation on the border with Belarus and the Lukashenko regime’s exploitation of vulnerable people”.
Other issues that will be discussed include NATO’s next Strategic Concept. He said: “It needs to take account of new realities, including Russia’s aggressive actions, a more assertive China, emerging and disruptive technologies, and the security impact of climate change. It will drive our continued adaptation in a more competitive world.”
An earthquake of magnitude 6.5 shook Afghanistan at 9:17 pm local time on Tuesday, the United States Geological Survey (USGC) reported.
The quake happened at a depth of 187.6 kilometers and its epicenter was in Badakhshan province, according to USGC.
People in Kabul were seen leaving buildings as the earthquake struck.
Tremors were felt also in Pakistan and India.
There were no immediate reports of human casualties or property damage, if any.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) says a three-day expo titled “Premier Services of National Expo” was opened in Kabul on Tuesday in support of domestic products.
Female and male entrepreneurs showcased their products at this expo.
MoIC officials have said that in this new Solar Year, 1402, supporting domestic products is their priority and they are considering a plan that government institutions will have to purchase domestic products only.
The officials said they are still trying to attract investment and increase the country’s exports abroad.
“We are in contact with countries so that our products are marketed abroad and our products reach there,” said Qudratullah Jamal, deputy minister of industry and commerce.
“It is the duty of youth to once again work for greenery, reconstruction, economic development, technology and other sectors for the country,” said Bilal Karimi, deputy spokesman of the IEA.
In addition, the Ministry of Economy has also said that despite international sanctions and pressure, the IEA was able to control the economic situation to some extent.
According to this ministry, it will expand economic activities in the country in 1402.
“Not only did we act appropriately and decently in providing services, but we also maintained the price of goods and the price and value of services,” said Abdul Latif Nazari, deputy minister of economy.
At this expo, dozens of male and female entrepreneurs have displayed their products and asked people to support the domestic market.
“Again, women did not accept failure and more women are engaged in handicrafts,” said Yalda, a female entrepreneur.
The expo is open to visitors for three days, and several similar expos have been held in recent months in Kabul and in provinces around the country.
More than 50 cases of smuggling of antiques have been prevented in the last 18 months, officials in the Ministry of Information and Culture said on Tuesday.
“More than 50 artifacts have been seized. We have put the artifacts on display. This is a great achievement. These artifacts were obtained from different areas and customs during the last year and a half,” said Zabihullah Sadat, head of the archeology department of the Ministry of Information and Culture.
Officials at the National Museum of Afghanistan said that they are committed to preserving antiques.
“The National Museum is a place where antiques are kept and preserved, and we are committed to preserving the antiques. The National Museum has also helped prevent smuggling of antiques,” said Mohammad Zubair Abedi, head of the National Museum.
In the latest case, 75 ancient coins were discovered in Baghlan province and handed over to the National Museum in Kabul.
The Department of Information and Culture of Baghlan said that these coins were obtained with the cooperation of local people of Jalga district.
“People’s cooperation in this regard is very necessary. Unless there is cooperation of people, no activity will be done properly. Alhamdulillah, here too, it was the cooperation of the people that we could seize this number of objects,” said Asadullah Mustafa Hashemi, the head of Baghlan Information and Culture Department.
More than 50,000 historical and cultural artifacts from different eras have been registered and put on display at the National Museum in Kabul.
Magnitude-6.5 earthquake shakes Afghanistan
Three-day expo held in Kabul to boost domestic products
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Over 50 instances of artifact smuggling prevented in last 18 months: officials
Iran and China envoys discuss ways to enhance stability in Afghanistan
Fresh earthquake hits Turkey-Syria border two weeks after disaster
United States to provide $100 million more for Turkey, Syria quake aid
Afghanistan turns back 24 tankers carrying low-grade fuel from Iran
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Tahawol: Concerns over ban on girls’ education discussed
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Saar: Developments in Afghanistan in 1401 reviewed
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