I am pleased that we have had a successful Force Generation Conference at NATO military Headquarters in Mons, building on last week's Foreign Ministers' meeting in Brussels. On top of the 30,000 forces coming from the United States, NATO Allies and Partners have made pledges to add almost 7000 extra forces to the mission. There is now more work to be done to turn these basic figures into capability on the ground, and in particular to focus on the critical area of training the Afghan security forces.

I should add that we also have clear indications of additional contributions to come in 2010 that will bring the total contribution by the non-US members of the mission to in excess of 7000.
Today’s conference is a strong demonstration of solidarity and commitment.

07 Dec. 2009
Press Release: (2009) 193

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