Afghan Official visits United States of America to enhance bilateral cooperation

Ashraf Abo Arafe

During the visit H.E. President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani met with H.E. Barack Obama, President of the United States of America in the White House. At the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to broaden bilateral cooperation in different arenas, strengthening of Afghan security forces, counter-terrorism, regional cooperation, US economic assistance to Afghanistan and the Afghan peace process. Following the meeting, the two Presidents attended a joint press conference where they briefed the media on the outcomes of their talks. Welcoming President Ghani and CEO Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, President Obama said, “President Ghani and Dr. Abdullah ensured the first peaceful and democratic transfer of power in Afghanistan’s history. And together they now lead a national unity government that reflects the diversity, strength and the determination of the Afghan people.” He said, “After more than 13 years, America’s combat mission in Afghanistan came to a responsible end. Afghan forces now have full responsibility for security across their country, they are making extraordinary sacrifices – fighting and often dying for their country, and they continue to grow stronger month by month.” Thanking the leadership of the government of national unity, US President said, “This visit is an opportunity to begin a new chapter between our two nations.” President Obama stressed on his country’s continued security cooperation with Afghanistan and stated that

“The United States will continue to train, advice and assist Afghan security forces.” US President noted, “I’ve decided that we will maintain our current posture of 9,800 troops through the end of this year.” Declaring US support from an Afghanled reconciliation process, President Obama said, “President Ghani, you’ve shown bold leadership in reaching out to Pakistan, which is critical to the pursuit of peace. Afghanistan and the United States agree on what the Taliban must do, which is break with al-Qaeda, renounce violence, and abide by Afghan laws, including protection for women and minorities.” Emphasizing on US continued support

– from Afghanistan, US President said, “Over the years, there have been major gains – dramatic improvements in public health, life expectancy, literacy, including for millions of girls who are in school. Under the new development partnership that we announced yesterday, U.S. economic assistance will increasingly go through Afghan institutions, in support of Afghan priorities, with an emphasis on accountability, performance and achieving results.” Subsequently, in his remarks at the press conference, H.E. President Ghani thanked the US leadership for their hospitality and warm welcome from the Afghan highranking delegation as well as for the assistance and support of the United States of America to Afghanistan in various areas. Paying tribute to the continuous sacrifices of the Afghan security forces, President Ghani noted, “I’m pleased to say that the departure of 120,000 international troops has not brought security gap and Afghan security forces are much organised and trained than before”.