LOC23:45
20:45 GMT
BRUSSELS, Jan 27 (KUNA) -- NATO's Military Committee Wednesday held it first meeting of 2021 in Brussels during which it discussed a wide range of issues related with international security.
"To our South in Iraq, the security situation remains challenging.
The Committee reinforced their commitment to increasing our support, helping to build and strengthen Iraqi forces and institutions," Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, said in press statements after the meeting.
"To our east in Afghanistan, we face a difficult dilemma. As we consider our future presence we must not forget the sacrifices that have been made over nearly 20 years.
All Allied Chiefs of Defence agreed that whatever decision is made, it is vital that we take the decision together," he said.
Furthermore, the committee discussed the need to continue to explore what more NATO can do to fight terrorism, build stability and strengthen our partnerships across the region.
"COVID-19 continues to impact upon all of our lives and from the beginning, NATO and Allied militaries have played a key role supporting the civilian response to COVID-19," he said.
He added that NATO Defence Ministers will meet next month and the advice and guidance provided by the Military Committee today is a vital component of their political decision making process. (end)
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