“In light of this and recognizing that there is no military solution to the challenges Afghanistan faces, Allies have determined that we will start the withdrawal of Resolute Support Mission forces by May 1,” said the statement released after a virtual NATO foreign and defense ministers' meeting on Wednesday.

The withdrawal of all US and Resolute Support Mission forces will be completed within a few months, according to the statement.

#NATO Allies have decided to start withdrawing @ResoluteSupport forces in #Afghanistan by 1 May, in an orderly, coordinated & deliberate way. We will continue to stand with Afghanistan, this marks a new chapter in our relationship.

Ministerial statement: https://t.co/1c9Y89zJZX pic.twitter.com/L4yIAXMgto

— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) April 14, 2021

“The conclusion of NATO’s Resolute Support Mission takes place against the backdrop of renewed regional and international support for political progress toward peace.  We will continue to support the ongoing Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process.  We welcome the Istanbul Conference as an opportunity to move the peace process forward and to reinforce the progress made in Doha.  We call on the Afghan government and the Taliban to adhere to their commitments to the peace process initiated by the US-Taliban agreement and the US-Afghanistan Joint Declaration.”

The statement added that NATO Allies and partners will continue to stand with Afghanistan, its people, and its institutions in promoting security and upholding the gains of the last 20 years. (ILKHA)