NATO defense ministers' meeting ends in Brussels

By Fatih Hafiz Mehmet

ANKARA (AA) - NATO secretary general expressed the alliance's commitment in Afghanistan as the two-day NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels ended on Friday.

"After 18 years, 29 allies and many partners stay committed to the trained mission in Afghanistan," Jens Stoltenberg told a press conference after the meeting, broadcast live on NATO website.

Stoltenberg said they do so because they stand in solidarity with Afghanistan and with the people of Afghanistan.

"But also because it is in our interest to make sure that Afghanistan does not become once again a platform, a country where international terrorist groups can train, prepare, plan terrorist attacks in our own countries," he stressed.

Stoltenberg also said NATO welcomes Germany's offer for an international safe zone in northern Syria.

"The present situation in northern Syria is not sustainable and the international community has the responsibility to try to address all the challenges and threats we see in northern Syria," Stoltenberg said.

Therefore, Stoltenberg welcomes initiatives and ideas on how they can do that in a coordinated way, he added.