NATO Ministers of Defence had the first collective discussion together during the ministerial in Brussels on the situation in Afghanistan since the takeover of the Taliban. Ministers addressed the further role of NATO in the fight against terrorism, how the Afghan evacuation process was carried out, and the necessity to conduct analysis of the lessons learned during NATO operations in Afghanistan.
Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas spoke to the allies in favor of a close analysis of the information collected over nearly 20 years, to provide quality assessments of major decisions, and agree on the Alliance’s future actions in the fight against terrorism on the basis of the assessment of threats arising from Afghanistan.
“NATO has gained invaluable experience over the 20 years in Afghanistan, we must retain it to ensure the fight against the spread of terrorism is effective,” said A. Anušauskas at the NATO Defence Ministers meeting.
When speaking of the Afghan National Army (ANA) Trust Fund liquidation, Minister A. Anušauskas advised to direct the remaining funds for strengthening capabilities of NATO partners, especially, those seeking Euro-Atlantic integration.
Minister A. Anušauskas also availed of the opportunity to yet again thank Germany and Poland whose assistance made the complicated and dangerous evacuation of the Afghans who had collaborated with the Lithuanian Armed Forces and their families possible.
