On 22 and 23 February, the NATO Permanent Representatives of Italy (Ambassador Claudio Bisogniero), the United States, Germany and Turkey, along with Supreme Allied Commander, General Curtis M. Scaparrotti, travelled to Afghanistan to reaffirm the Alliance’s commitment to the country.
NATO ‘Resolute Support’ (RSM) in Afghanistan is a non combat mission designed to provide training, advice and support for the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces, as well as the Country’s institutions. Aimed at improving the self-sustaining functions and capabilities of local institutions, RSM operates with one central hub, the capital city of Kabul, and four spokes in Mazar-e Sharif in the north, Herat in the west, Kandahar in the south and Laghman in the east. During the mission, Ambassador Bisogniero was able to personally confirm the significant progress made in the field: Italy, along with the other partner countries, reaffirmed NATO’s united and cohesive presence in such a crucial area as Afghanistan, condemning all forms of terrorism. Engaging in peacekeeping and countering terrorism in the area is of a vital importance for the country, the region, and all the Allies. The Italian presence in the country currently comprises a maximum of 900 troops, 148 land vehicles and 8 aircraft, shared by staff stationed in Kabul and an Italian military contingent in Herat at the TAAC-W, led by General B. Gianluca Carai.
