NATO DMs to discuss Afghanistan, security issues

BRUSSELS, Oct 20 (KUNA) - NATO Defense Ministers will meet in Brussels Thursday and Friday to discuss developments in Afghanistan, take decision to strengthen the Alliance's security and lay the ground for NATO Summit in Madrid next June.
Speaking at a press conference at NATO headquarters Wednesday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said "we have launched a thorough and clear-eyed assessment," on the chaotic withdrawal of NATO forces from Afghanistan in August.
"And tomorrow, ministers will also have a first opportunity to engage on the lessons learned process. Looking ahead, we must continue to stand together in the fight against international terrorism," he said.
In addition, in the margins of this ministerial, NATO will hold a meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh, he announced. Stoltenberg said earlier this week, Russia announced the closure of its mission to NATO, and of NATO offices in Moscow.
"We regret this decision, which does not promote dialogue and mutual understanding. But NATO's policy remains consistent, and we remain open to dialogue, including through the NATO Russia Council," he said.
Stoltenberg argued that NATO's recent decision to expel eight members of Russia's mission to the 30-member Alliance was because they were secretly working as intelligence officers.
"Relationship between Russia and NATO is at the lowest point since the end of the cold war," he noted.
NATO ministers will also take steps during the 2-day meeting to keep the Alliance's technological edge and continue to assess how we can further strengthen our deterrence and defense, he added. (end) nk.aa