Sunday, February 22, 2015
Kabul (BNA) President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani said yesterday the objective of government’s efforts is to change Afghanistan from the point of rivalry to that of lasting cooperation.
He made the remarks during meeting with US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter in Arg yesterday.
Both sides in the meeting also exchanged views on matters pertaining mutual interest including relations between Kabul-Washington, strengthening Afghanistan national security forces, war on terror, extremism and regional issues. Addressing a joint press conference after meeting in Arg, the president besides congratulating Ashton Carter over assuming office as new Defense Secretary praised him over his efforts in boosting bilateral relations between the two countries. The president also expressed gratitude to American people over sacrifices rendered by US soldiers in Afghanistan. Appreciating the Afghan national security forces, president Ghani said, “We have successfully completed the security transition from international troops and begun new phase of cooperation.”
The American forces have no more combat mission here, President Ghani said, adding Afghan national security forces have responsibility to ensure their country’s security. Variety of issues including definition of cooperation would be discussed with President Barack Obama during president Ghani’s upcoming visit to Washington next month. Terming terrorism as common threat, the president said overcoming the menace needs short, medium and long term cooperation, saying Afghanistan needs peace and prosperity. Afghans prefer democracy to anarchy and are committed to serve their country, the president said, adding our investment is to create a transparent and reliable system. In his remarks at the conference, Defense Secretary Carter said, “After assuming office I began my foreign trip from Afghanistan and the new mission of US and NATO-led Resolute Support Mission clearly speaks of our lasting cooperation with Afghanistan.” US Defense Secretary also sees positive change in Afghanistan and in this regard he said that ratifying security agreements with US and NATO by Afghanistan parliament and increasing the strength of Afghan national security forces to 350,000 and taking charge of their country’s responsibility are among the positive changes which led to the reduction of the US-led coalition forces in Afghanistan. The US would continue to support Afghanistan’s achievements, the Defense Secretary said, adding different issues including supporting security strategy of Afghanistan and possible change in the timetable of US forces withdrawal from Afghanistan would be discussed in meeting between president Obama and President Ghani in near future.
