Anders Fogh Rasmussen appointed new NATO Secretary General
Sat, 04.04.2009
"We have been advocating the concept of networked security for some time,” explained the Chancellor. The same concept is also reflected one hundred percent in the new US strategy on Afghanistan. This will harmonise international cooperation and go a long way to simplifying it, Angela Merkel is convinced.
The concept of networked security provides for cooperation between NATO and other international organisations. Germany is already pursuing this approach in Afghanistan, where military operations provide the protection without which it would be impossible to rebuild the country. Reconstruction in turn contributes to greater security. Civilian and military inputs are dovetailed. Gradually the Afghan partners are to assume greater ownership.
The NATO member states agreed to do more in the field of training the Afghan armed forces. Funds will be provided in the form of a trustee fund. And assistance will be offered to ensure security for the coming elections in Afghanistan.
