NATO Secretary General visits London for talks with British leaders on Syria, Afghanistan

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen discussed the Syrian crisis, the Alliance’s mission in Afghanistan, and European defence capabilities with British Prime Minister David Cameron in London on Wednesday (18 September 2013). Speaking outside Number 10, the Secretary General said: "I welcome the recent American-Russian agreement on elimination of chemical weapons in Syria. Now it is essential to ensure full and effective implementation of that agreement. In that respect, it is crucial that the UN Security Council expeditiously adopts a firm resolution that can constitute the framework for a swift, secure and verifiable elimination of all chemical weapons in Syria.”

During his visit, Mr. Fogh Rasmussen also met with Foreign Secretary William Hague and Defence Secretary Philip Hammond. He thanked Britain for its staunch commitment to the Alliance and in particular the remarkable role played by British forces in improving security in Afghanistan. “The Afghan forces that we have trained are now out there, keeping their country secure,” said the Secretary General adding that this was a clear demonstration that transition to full Afghan security responsibility is on track. He said this progress has been possible “because of the significant contributions” made by the United Kingdom. Mr. Fogh Rasmussen also welcomed the UK’s continued commitment to Afghanistan after 2014.

The Secretary General expressed his expectation that the EU December Council should strengthen European security and defence capabilities, as well as pave the way for closer EU-NATO cooperation. Mr. Fogh Rasmussen and Prime Minister Cameron agreed that the two institutions should create complementary capabilities, but avoid unnecessary duplication at a time of austerity.

خبر حول زيارة الأمين العام للناتو أندرس فوغ راسموسن إلى لندن، رحب خلالها بالاتفاق الأمريكي الروسي ودعا مجلس الأمن إلى قرار حازم لإزالة الأسلحة الكيميائية السورية.