New Zealand provides more trainers to ANA Officers’ Academy

KABUL (Pajhwok): The govement of New Zealand on Tuesday aounced extending its commitment of trainers to the Afghan National Army Officers’ Academy to June 2018.

Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said: “Since late 2013 the NZDF has contributed eight persoel to the academy to assist in building the capacity of the Afghan National Army.”

In addition to the extension, the minister said in a statement, the cabinet had agreed to a request for increasing the number of persoel to 10.

“New Zealand Defence Force persoel are doing a good job helping develop the junior leaders of the Afghan National Army.These young leaders are necessary for the development of an enduring, professional army.

Brownlee added the academy in Kabul formed part of the NATO Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan to train, advise and assist the Afghan security forces and institutions.

“NATO Ministers have made a decision to sustain the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan beyond 2016,” he said.“This decision will allow New Zealand to stand alongside our partners in supporting stability in Afghanistan and countering the threat of inteational terrorism.”

pr/mud