On December 5, in Brussels the acting Foreign Minister of Armenia participated in and delivered remarks at the Ministerial meeting of the NATO member and non-member states participating in Resolute Support Mission.

In his remarks, the acting Foreign Minister of Armenia particularly mentioned: ՙWe appreciate the efforts and the progress achieved by the Afghan Government to advance the reforms on a wide-range of areas and to strengthen the state institutions, as well as to build and consolidate democracy. The recent Parliamentary elections in Afghanistan were benchmark in this regard. We are hopeful that the Presidential elections in 2019 will further help consolidate the political and institutional reforms in Afghanistan.

Nevertheless, there is still much to be accomplished, in order to make the progress sustainable and more importantly - irreversible. Recent security related incidents remind us of the challenges that Afghanistan continues to face. They underline the necessity of concerted actions for eradicating the scourge of terrorism and depriving it of the breeding ground. Effective, professional, and self-sustaining Afghan forces remain essential for providing security for the country.

Armenia reiterates its support to the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned inclusive peace process and underlines that the negotiated political settlement is the only pathway to a durable and sustainable resolution of the conflict.

Armenia emphasizes the importance of the inclusion of women in the peace process in line with the UN Security Council resolution 1325. We welcome the engagement of the Gender Adviser in the Resolute Support Mission for providing counsel and assistance on professional development, as well as safe and meaningful integration of women in the Afghan Security Forces.

The peace and stability in Afghanistan is important first of all for its people. At the same time, it also stands as a test for the ability of the international community to address the security challenges collectively.

Armenia has been contributing to peace operation in Afghanistan since February 2010, first as a part of ISAF and then within of the Resolute Support Mission. I want to underline the effective cooperation established between Armenia and Germany, as one of the best examples of partnership in peace operations. We will continue to contribute to the international efforts in consolidation of peace and security in Afghanistan. As Armenia reaffirmed at the NATO Brussels Summit in July 2018, the Armenian contingent will continue its duty with Resolute Support Mission throughout 2019 with up to 130 servicemen.

Two weeks ago the acting minister of defense of Armenia visited Afghanistan where he had a number of meeting with the top security officials and visited the Armenian contingent. The continuation of efforts in helping Afghan people to build safe and secure future remains an important item on the agenda of the Government of Armenia. ՚

The Resolute Support Mission was launched at the invitation of the Afghan government and in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2189 of 2014.