The aim was to create common understanding and increase situational awareness of the different roles and responsibilities of NATO headquarters supporting the mission in Afghanistan. Overall, the visit fostered valuable comprehension of the current situation on the ground and established sound working relationships for the future.
General Sollfrank will assume his new post at a time characterized by challenge. However, his last appointment was Chief of Staff of the German Army Command. So he is well prepared for his new role. He will assume his duties in Kabul this spring.
On a broader note, NATO’s Defence Ministers recently reiterated their commitment to the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in their meetings 17/18 February – agreeing to continue training activities and the provision of funding for the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF). In addition, Defence Ministers underlined their strong support to the Afghan-led peace process; a process widely regarded an excellent opportunity to end years of suffering and violence and bring lasting peace to Afghanistan.
General Vollmer stated: “Joint Force Command Brunssum continues to support the Resolute Support Mission. Today we provided the designated Chief of Staff RSM a broad overview on how JFCBS enables the mission. He can rely on us.”
Note: Resolute Support is a NATO-led, non-combat mission to train, advise and assist the ANDSF. It was launched in January 2015, following the conclusion of the previous NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission, and the assumption of full security responsibility by the ANDSF. The Resolute Support Mission works closely with different elements of the Afghan Army, Police and Air Force.
As the NATO out-of-theatre operational command for RSM JFC Brunssum fulfils its task to empower, enable and assist those deployed to the mission so as to enable them to concentrate on their daily tasks and responsibilities.