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Stoltenberg says peace talks remain fragile and violence unacceptably high
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on the eve of the NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels on Monday that the alliance will “closely consult” on the way forward in Afghanistan.
“NATO has significantly adjusted our presence as part of the peace process. However, peace talks remain fragile and the level of violence remains unacceptably high, including the Taliban attacks on civilians,” Stoltenberg said.
Stoltenberg also said the Taliban must reduce violence, negotiate in good faith and live up to their commitment to stop cooperating with international terrorist groups.
Speaking at a press conference Stoltenberg said that all allies support the Afghan peace process.
“No ally wants to stay in Afghanistan longer than necessary, but the threat of terrorism must be considered,” Stoltenberg added.
Stoltenberg emphasized that NATO strongly supports the Afghan peace process in Afghanistan.
“This is the best chance for a lasting political solution,” he added.
He also said that NATO’s top priority is that Afghanistan does not become a safe haven for terrorists.
“We also realize that one of the best weapons we have in the fight against terrorism is to train local forces,” Stoltenberg told reporters.
“Our common goal is clear. Afghanistan should never again serve as a haven for terrorists to attack our homelands. So our presence is conditions-based. While no ally wants to stay in Afghanistan longer than necessary, we will not leave before the time is right,” he added.
Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US special representative for Afghanistan, has questioned Pakistan’s commitment to the welfare of the Afghan people, citing Islamabad’s policies over the past three decades.
Khalilzad said in a post on X that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif advocated for the rights of Afghan women during his speech at the UN General Assembly on Friday.
Sharif said: “Fundamental rights of the Afghan people — especially women and girls — must be respected.”
Responding to the remarks, Khalilzad said Pakistan’s policies over the past 30 years raise questions about Sharif’s commitment to Afghan welfare.
He cited Pakistan’s support for militant groups against US forces and what he described as the poor treatment of Afghan refugees as examples.
Khalilzad also said Afghanistan and Pakistan need and should have much better relations, adding that “a reset is necessary.”
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Rabab Fatima, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X that Misri underscored the need to keep addressing the humanitarian needs of the Afghan people as a priority.
Misri also appreciated the role of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and reaffirmed India’s continued cooperation with the United Nations on Afghanistan.
The meeting comes as Afghanistan continues to face humanitarian and economic challenges, with international agencies warning of significant needs among the Afghan population.
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi has called for pragmatic and coordinated international engagement with Afghanistan, saying the country’s long-term stability is closely linked to the security and sustainable development of Central Asia.
Speaking during the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, Tileuberdi said humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan remains essential but alone cannot break the cycle of poverty, displacement and dependency.
He said Kazakhstan supports a “pragmatic, coordinated and step-by-step” approach to international engagement with Afghanistan, with the United Nations playing a central role.
Tileuberdi also said Kazakhstan is working with the UN to operationalize the United Nations Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.
He said the success of the centre should be measured by the results and assistance it delivers to the region.
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