NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen talks to Afghan children in Jalalabad ahead of a conference in Kabul. Picture: AFP Source: AFP
NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen has announced his first ever visit to Australia, as the 28-nation alliance prepares to strengthen ties with non-NATO nations supporting its Afghan mission.
Announcing the trip next week to Australia only hours before meeting New Zealand Prime Minister John Key in Brussels, Rasmussen said: "Both countries are making a real difference to our mission in Afghanistan."
"Countries such as Australia and New Zealand may be far away geographically, but they are very close to us in terms of values and commitment. Together, we will discuss how we can come even closer together," he added.
NATO is expected likewise to boost ties with Japan.
Australia has 1550 troops in the 130,236-member force ISAF force in Afghanistan, the largest non-NATO contingent, while New Zealand currently has 189 troops.
Rasmussen also welcomed Australia's decision to take the main mentoring role in the central Afghan province of Oruzgan from the US command.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/newscomaumostpopularworldndm/~3/dFwNJn7OpKE/story01.htm
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