Press release
29 November 2012
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Defence

The Government has taken a decision on a Swedish contribution of almost SEK 16 million to the fund established to finance the build-up the Afghan National Army (ANA). The aim is to help build up security forces primarily in northern Afghanistan, the area of the country where Sweden is active.

"Through the fund, Sweden is contributing to capacity building of the Afghan National Army. This is essential if the country is to meet its security challenges," said Minister for Defence Karin Enström, commenting on the decision.

"The aim of the support is to contribute to the development of a democratically governed and well-functioning Afghan security sector, and is part of Sweden's long-term commitment in Afghanistan," said Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt.

Background Capacity building of Afghanistan's security forces is of fundamental importance to enable increased security and stability in Afghanistan and constitutes a component in the strategy that enables the transfer of security responsibility to the Afghan authorities and the international military presence to take on more of a supporting role.

Within the framework of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, Sweden is providing support to ANA in the form of its combined contribution of units supporting the army during various security operations, through military advisory groups, and in the form of instructors at ANA's various training centres for staff and functions.

This year the Ministry for Foreign Affairs is providing SEK 10.5 million in financial support to the ANA Trust Fund, while the Ministry of Defence is providing SEK 5.4 million. A sum of SEK 1 million is earmarked particularly for the ANA Literacy Fund, whose purpose is to improve literacy within the Afghan army.

Contact
Henrik Hedberg
Press Secretary
work +46 8 405 25 15
cell +46 72 72 75 949
email to Henrik Hedberg