NATO will continue to remain committed to conflict-ridden Afghanistan, the alliance's civilian spokesman said on Monday.

"NATO will not abandon Afghanistan. NATO will have a long-term friendship with Afghanistan," Dominic Medley said at a news conference.

The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force will complete its withdrawal from Afghanistan by the end of 2014, leaving Afghan security forces to shoulder the security responsibility for their country.

However, Medley said the NATO-led ISAF's main focus will shift from combat to supporting the Afghan security forces.

Xinhua

(China Daily 06/04/2013 page11)