NATO member countries have decided to start withdrawing forces from the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan at a ministerial meeting on Wednesday attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Bujar Osmani and Minister of Defense Radmila Shekerinska.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a press release, the foreign and defense ministers talking part in the meeting agreed the drawdown of troops would create conditions to open a new chapter in Afghanistan’s future, placing it in the hands of the Afghan people. NATO will continue its strong support for the country in developing its democracy, safeguarding human rights, and strengthening its defense.

At the meeting, allied members pledged to strengthen diplomatic efforts toward finding a political solution for the Afghan people to build a sustainable peace through dialogue within the country.

North Macedonia has 22 army members in Afghanistan at the moment. The country has participated in the mission in Afghanistan since 2002, with more than 3,100 people including officers, mentors, members of the infantry, and medical personnel.

NATO Ministers also addressed Russia’s military build-up in and around Ukraine and expressed their concern.

They voiced their unanimous support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling on Russia to abide by the Minsk peace deal, de-escalate the tensions and contribute to global peace and security, the press release adds.