The confirmation comes after Slovenia's participation in the non-combat mission was endorsed by the parliamentary foreign policy and defence committees.

Slovenia will formally engage in the mission on 1 January with two servicemen who are already in Kabul.

The mission is divided into four sectors and Slovenia will operate in the Italian sector in the west of the country, where the bulk of its activities have been centred so far.

While the decision speaks about the deployment of up to ten soldiers, the government said today the figure could "temporarily increase" in line with "international commitments".

The government said the deployment was "a show of support for international efforts aimed at ensuring the long-term stability and development of the country."