75 Norwegian troops to stay on: envoy

KABUL’s new mission to “train and support” Afghan forces, the country’s ambassador to Kabul said on Wednesday.

Tomorrow, Afghan army and police will take charge of their country’s security as the US-led International Security Assistance Force combat mission will be replaced by a small NATO “training and support” mission.

Norwegian envoy Erling Skjønsberg, who called on First Deputy Chief Executive Officer Eng. Mohammad Khan at his office, promised his country would continue assisting Afghanistan, a statement from Khan’s office said.

Skjønsberg said Norway had been supporting Afghanistan in areas of reconstruction over the past 13 years as part of the NATO’s mission and his country would continue its relations and cooperation with the Afghans post-2014.

He said 75 Norwegian troops would stay on in Afghanistan after this year as part of the NATO’s Resolute Support Mission to train and support Afghan forces.

The ambassador said Norway had greatly assisted Afghanistan through the United Nations and the World Bank.

Mohammad Khan thanked the ambassador for his country’s considerable contributions to Afghanistan over the past many years.

He said Norway had assisted Afghanistan in areas of agriculture and reconstruction under sensitive circumstances.

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