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Germany, NATO to Keep Troops in Afghanistan for Long Period

© REUTERS / Fabrizio Bensch/File PhotoGerman Bundeswehr armed forces soldiers of the 371st armoured infantry battalion march during a media day of the NATO drill 'NOBLE JUMP 2015' at the barracks in Marienberg April 10, 2015
German Bundeswehr armed forces soldiers of the 371st armoured infantry battalion march during a media day of the NATO drill 'NOBLE JUMP 2015' at the barracks in Marienberg April 10, 2015 - Sputnik International
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Germany, as well as other NATO allies, will keep troops in Afghanistan for a while to prevent terrorists from getting an advantage over government forces, German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen said Saturday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The defense minister expressed hope that Afghanistan would be able to tackle the pressing domestic issues.

"The presence of German and allied forces in Afghanistan will remain for a while and the importance of Afghan security forces' training has not become less. We will not allow the terrorists to get an advantage," von der Leyen told the Funke Mediengruppe media company in an interview.

European Parliament President Martin Schulz, left, talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, during an EU summit at the European Council building in Brussels (File) - Sputnik International
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"It is difficult to stabilize Afghanistan. But I am convinced that this long-suffering land will cope with it," the minister added.

Afghanistan has been experiencing significant political, social and security-related instability for decades, as terrorist organizations, including the Taliban radical movement and Daesh terrorist group continue to stage attacks against civilian and military targets.

In 2001, the United States and its NATO allies launched a mission in Afghanistan following 9/11 attacks. The mission ended on December 28, 2014. However, on January 1, 2015, NATO announced its new mission in the country, called Resolute Support, to train and assist the Afghan security forces. The German troops have been stationed in Afghanistan since 2002.

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