NATO wants full cooperation from Pakistan, says secretary general

BRUSSELS: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday said that the alliance would like to see Pakistan cooperating with NATO in its efforts to control and mitigate the insurgency plaguing Afghanistan. 

Stoltenberg, speaking to reporters at NATO's headquarters, added that the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) commander is ready to meet his Pakistani counterparts and hold discussions regarding insurgents allegedly operating from the Pakistani side of the Pak-Afghan border. 

The alliance's secretary general also elaborated that the issue has been raised several times with Pakistan and no country should have sanctuaries for terrorists on its soil. 

The Pakistani military and civilian leadership have denied the presence of terrorist safe havens on its soil on numerous occasions. 

"There are no organised bases of any terrorist organisations in the country anymore," said the spokesperson for the Pakistan Army earlier in October. 

Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif had also conveyed the same message to US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during his recent visit to Washington. 

The secretary-general further said that the alliance would meet its partners in the Resolute Support Mission (RSM) and US Defence Secretary James Mattis would also chair a meeting of the global coalition formed to defeat Daesh. 

During the meetings, NATO would review RSM and will be briefed on the security situation in Afghanistan by the country's acting defence minister and on the progress the Afghan government is making on essential reforms. 

Stoltenberg added that the last few weeks have been tough in Afghanistan, with a number of attacks and gave the example of Tuesday's attack in a TV station in Kabul. 

He praised the Afghan security forces for displaying bravery, determination and increased capability to deal with threats. He also praised the Afghan people for demonstrating remarkable resilience and hope for peace. 

The secretary-general said that around 13,000 troops from 39 countries currently serve as part of RSM and the US is increasing its commitment as part of the new South Asian strategy announced by President Donald Trump.

Many other allied nations and partners would send more troops in the months to come to support Afghanistan’s efforts against international terrorism and for peace and reconciliation, he said.