(VOVworld) - The NATO will perform its new mission in Afghanistan called “Resolute Support” under which 12,500 troops will provide training, consultation, and assistance for Afghan forces. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in his Christmas greetings on Wednesday that the mission will begin on January 1st, 2015, following the withdrawal of 140,000 troops of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) that was formed in 2001 and led by NATO since August, 2003.

The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) takes position in Afghanistan. (Photo: Reuters)

Stoltenberg underlined NATO’s success in bringing millions of Afghan people a better life. Afghanistan has come out of Taliban’s darkness and changed over the past 13 years. He said 2015 will see a new step forward in NATO-Afghanistan partnership.