Brussels:  Nato officials praised the UAE's humanitarian role in Afghanistan in the field of rebuilding, relief and peacekeeping operations.

Jean-François Bureau, assistant secretary general for Public Diplomacy, said Nato highly appreciates the UAE's role in Afghanistan which he described as a very important and effective role in extending humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.

"The UAE presence within the ESAF forces affiliated to Nato is more important than financial and moral support given by other countries," he said.

Bureau said that the UAE has been playing a very important role in Afghanistan for three years and is considered by Nato as a qualified partner in the fight against terrorism.