BRUSSELS – NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in Brussels onTuesday, ahead of the NATO defense ministers conference, that Afghanistanhas taught the alliance the importance of strengthening local forces tofight terrorism.

“As the coalition shifts focus from combat operations to capacity-building,NATO’s training support will become even more important,” Stoltenberg said.

“Years of experience from Afghanistan have taught us that strengtheninglocal forces is one of our best tools in the fight against terrorism.”

Stoltenberg said the number of NATO forces in Afghanistan will grow thisyear from 13,000 to 16,000 personnel. “This is a clear sign of ourcontinued commitment to Afghanistan’s security,” he added.

He also said NATO officials expect the majority of members to reach thegoal of spending two percent of gross domestic product on defense by 2024.

Figures project that 15 of the 29 NATO members will reach the goal, withall members already increasing defense spending in response to challengesin Europe and elsewhere.

Stoltenberg said the conference starts in Brussels on Wednesday. US DefenseSecretary James Mattis has said he will discuss fair burden-sharing at themeeting.

The ministers are preparing for the NATO summit scheduled July at NATO’snew headquarters.