NATO Tells Russia to Support NUG in Afghanistan

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday said the alliance and Russia had a “frank exchange” on the security situation in Afghanistan, including the regional terrorist threats.

“Our analyses differ considerably but we all share the same interest in ensuring security and stability in Afghanistan. Russia provided a briefing on its policy in Afghanistan and Allies set out NATO’s substantial efforts to strengthen the Afghan security forces,” Stoltenberg said following the meeting of the NATO-Russia Council.

During the meeting, NATO has reminded Moscow that the best way to achieve stability in the region is to support the National Unity Government of Afghanistan.

“It is important that everybody support the National Unity Government. This is the best way to help fight terrorists in Afghanistan and achieve greater security and stability for the whole region,” he added.

When Stoltenberg asked if Russia supported Taliban in Afghanistan, the NATO chief said Russia denied that but the issue was discussed during the meeting.

He emphasized NATO would continue to support Afghanistan and help them with training their security forces.

In February, the commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, General John Nicholson claimed that Russia had significantly increased its covert and overt support for the Taliban, with a goal of “undermining the United States and NATO.”

By Hesamuddin Hesam