NATO’s Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan noted on February 14 that senior military leaders from Central and South Asian nations and the United States gathered in Kabul for a February 12-13 conference to discuss security issues affecting the region.

The event reportedly afforded leaders the opportunity to meet in person and identify opportunities to protect and promote regional security and stability, as well as securing a lasting peace for Afghanistan.

According to NATO’s Resolute Support mission, key themes throughout the conference were the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) security forces enhanced capabilities and their full security responsibility to fight against terrorist organizations within its borders.

Chiefs of defense also reiterated their commitment to fighting terrorism throughout the region, and discussed ways of working together to counter drug trafficking and other cross-border security concerns.

Participating nations in the conference reportedly included Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the United States.