The road from the previous NATO Summit in Lisbon to Chicago has had some bumps, but what the NATO/ISAF Alliance will focus on this weekend is the degree to which we have stuck the course and remained committed to Afghanistan’s future. At Lisbon, NATO and ISAF allies agreed that we would remain in a combat role until 2014, and by doing so ensure a responsible transition to Afghan control . That is, demonstrably, what is happening. There are, of course, risks associated with transition and the withdrawal of ISAF forces. But with 75% of the Afghan population now under an Afghan security lead, with the completion of Tranche 3, we are making major strides. And, although there is more to do to ensure Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) are fully trained and tested, their performance during recent security incidents has impressed both their trainers and the Afghan people.
Much has been made of the idea of a “rush for the exits”. But it has not transpired. Despite the fact that we are all (allies and Afghans alike) weary of conflict, the coalition has stuck together. And we are all preparing for the next phase, with impressive commitment by international partners (going beyond ISAF) both to continue to provide trainers and funding to the ANSF. Although we fixate on 2014 as a turning point in our efforts in Afghanistan for good reason, what Chicago (and a later development conference in Tokyo) will agree will look well beyond that horizon. We are all acutely conscious of the lessons of history, and the need not to repeat them, so at Chicago members of the ISAF coalition and the region will make clear that they will standby Afghanistan for the “transformation decade” from 2014-2024.
Chicago is perhaps also a moment to reflect on the part that the UK has played. We are proud of what we have contributed alongside our allies. We have been the second largest troop contributor after the US, and deployed in some of the toughest areas of Afghanistan. We have also made a significant contribution to Afghanistan’s development, with our assistance budget (through DFID) standing at over £150m. And this commitment will continue. We have said, on security that after 2014 we will provide £70m per year for the sustainment of the ANSF, will continue to provide trainers, and that we will support the establishment of an Afghan Officers Academy. On the development side, we expect to continue our significant spending as well as looking for wider opportunities, for example through trade, to support Afghanistan. Chicago is a moment at which we can see both reflect on the past effort and on what more is needed to secure our shared objectives – in this we are confident that we sit alongside partners who have made the same sacrifices and share our determination to ensure Afghanistan sees the benefits of our shared efforts.