The delegation, which will be headed by Defence Ministry State Secretary Uros Krek, will meet NATO commanders and representatives of local authorities in the region around Herat, where Slovenian soldiers are stationed.
Kek said that the Slovenian government wanted a change in the structure of Slovenia's participation in the mission and wanted to send more military instructors to the country.
Slovenia is pondering the possibility of forming an independent Operational Mentor and Liaison Team (OMLT), which would participate in the training of the Afghanistani army.
The visit to Afghanistan will also be a part of the new strategy of Slovenia's participation in international operations and missions, which introduces a comprehensive approach, comprising participation in the areas of military, police and humanitarian and development aid.
The delegation will thus also deliver to Afghanistan EUR 30,000 worth of different donations, from equipment for a centre for vocational training to IT equipment for the Agriculture Faculty.
The decision on Slovenia's future participation in Afghanistan should be taken in a few months based on the report drafted by the delegation, Krek said.
Currently, 69 Slovenian soldiers are serving in Afghanistan, after 15 troops who provided security for the presidential election returned from the country on Wednesday.
An increase in the number is not to be expected, Krek told STA. The majority of the Slovenian troops in Afghanistan is currently stationed in Herat, while some are also at ISAF's command in Kabul.
Defence Minister Ljubica Jelusic welcomed the 15 troops at the Celje military barracks today, saying that the mission was successful. She also apologised the soldiers for having to wait for their transport back home.
Besides participating in the training of the Afghanistani army, providing informational support during the presidential election and giving logistics support, the Slovenian troops also carried out a humanitarian action for children, Jelusic noted.
Jelusic believes that their experience will be of great help in rethinking Slovenia's participation in the ISAF mission. She added that all forces in Afghanistan should be directed at concluding the mission.
