Abdullah Discusses New US Strategy With VP Pence

KABUL (TOLONews): National Unity Government (NUG) Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah held a meeting with US Vice President Mike Pence at the White House in Washington last Friday night and discussed the new war strategy in Afghanistan, the CEO’s office said in a statement on Saturday.

According to the statement during the meeting both sides emphasized the need to expand ties between the two countries. Abdullah also thanked the US government and its people for their aid to Afghanistan.

In a statement he said: “The government and the people of Afghanistan support the announcement of a new strategy, and we consider it a new opportunity for Afghanistan and the region.”

Speaking on the security situation and praising the positive role of US forces in Afghanistan he said: “Now the Afghan Armed Forces are responsible for the independent defense of the country, they have faced many challenges but thwarted the Taliban’s plans, al-Qaeda and Daesh in Afghanistan”.

Pointing to terrorist safe havens with the support of outsiders he said: “The problem of terrorist havens is still a serious problem and we hope that Pakistan will work to dismantle these sanctuaries.”

Meanwhile, Pence said Afghanistan was a rich and historical country and called its people heroic, brave and daring. Pence also praised Afghan forces for fighting terrorism, Taliban, al-Qaeda and Daesh.

Pence said Washington was happy with the new US strategy and that there are positive results and outcomes of the new strategy. He also promised US commitment for the National Unity Government for stability in Afghanistan.

At the meeting both sides discussed Afghanistan’s regional relations, holding transparent elections, the economic situation, reforms in different sectors, and the fight against corruption.

Earlier in the day, Abdullah met with Alice Wells, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian affairs where the two discussed Afghanistan-Pakistan relations and the steps needed to ensure Pakistan stops harboring and supporting Pakistan.