BRUSSELS (AA) - Defense ministers and high-level political and military officials from 26 NATO countries convened at NATO Headquarters, Brussels on Thursday to chart the way ahead for NATO's missions, operations and its military transformation.
Umit Pamir, permanent representative of Turkey in NATO, and high-level officials are representing Turkey at the meeting.
Ministers are expected to discuss further expansion of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan to west of the country, and NATO's assistance to the Afghan government in ensuring security for the upcoming parliamentary elections.
The upcoming establishment of the NATO Training, Equipment and Doctrine Center in Iraq, evolving security situation in Kosovo and NATO's support for the African Union in Darfur are also key items on the agenda.
As the operational demands placed on NATO continue to grow, ministers are also expected to discuss the implementation of measures and commitments aimed at ensuring that the Alliance has the forces and capabilities required for these missions.
Meanwhile, cooperation with partners in areas such as defense reform and the fight against terrorism will be discussed in meetings of the NATO-Russia Council, the NATO-Ukraine Commission and the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council.
2005-06-09