'NATO will continue to support Afghanistan'

ANKARA

NATO will continue to support Afghanistan, including with funding, a civilian presence, and out-of-country training, the chief of the military alliance said on Tuesday.

Noting that he earlier spoke with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Jens Stoltenberg stressed on Twitter that the security situation in Afghanistan remains "deeply challenging, and requires a negotiated settlement."

Violence has risen in Afghanistan since the announcement that all US forces and NATO allies are set to withdraw from the country this summer.

Intense fighting between Afghan forces and the Taliban continues amid the withdrawal of foreign troops.

NATO member Turkey leaving a contingent of troops to ensure safety at the airport in Kabul, the Afghan capital, has also been discussed.