NATO endorses withdrawal plan from Afghanistan in 2014 [1]
Tuesday, May 22, 2012 - 22:11. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
Tongan Prime Minister Lord Siale'ataonga Tu'ivakano (L) and Turkish President Abdullah Gul
NATO leaders including Tonga's Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano endorsed an exit plan that will see NATO troops withdraw from Afghanistan, by the end of 2014.
More than 50 leaders from 28 NATO member countries gathered in Chicago for a two day high level summit hosted by US President Barack Obama and discussed a way forward for Afghanistan, from May 20-21.
At the conclusion of the summit, a Chicago Summit Declaration on Afghanistan was issued by the Heads of State and Government of Afghanistan and Nations contributing to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force ISAF, on May 21.
The summit's final declaration plans for NATO troops to hand over combat command to Afghan forces by mid 2013. And that NATO's combat troops would be withdrawn from Afghanistan, by the end of 2014.
The document stated that beyond 2014, NATO's mission will shift from a combat mission to a new training, advising and assistance mission, which will be on a different nature to the current ISAF mission. NATO leaders also agreed to work towards establish such a new NATO-led mission.
The statement concluded that towards a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan, " Our task is not yet complete. But in the light of our substantial achievements and building on our firm and shared commitment we are confident that our strong partnership will lead Afghanistan towards a better future."
Tonga
Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano and the Commander of the Tonga Defence Services, Brigadier General Tau'aika 'Uta'atu attended the summit.
Tonga currently has it's fourth and what is expected to be it's final troops deployed in Afghanistan, since joining the ISAF Mission in October 2010.