NATO’s renewed pledges come at proper time: Mattis

WASHNGTON (Pajhwok): US Defense Secretary James Mattis has said NATO’s renewal of commitments with Afghanistan came at a proper time and sent a clear message to the Talibanand their allies.

Mattis expressed these views during a meeting with Chief Executive Office (CEO) Abdullah in the Pentagon. Abdullah thanked the US for its support to the Afghan security forces in the fight against terrorism.

The CEO termed the new US strategy “an important step” for Afghanistan and the region. He expressed the hope the New US strategy would further increase cooperation between Afghanistan and the US and the region would move towards stability.

During the meeting, the two leaders conferred on the security situation in Afghanistan, international commitments and future regional strategy.

The CEO expressed satisfaction with security support of NATO countries and the US and said most of Afghans acknowledged the effectiveness of this support.

The two sides also talked about the Afghan peace process and ways to reach durable peace in Afghanistan, co-existence and mutual acceptance in the political system. 

Separately, the CEO met with USAID Chief Bamak Green and thanked the organization for its work and cooperation in Afghanistan. Abdullah also stressed continued US support for Afghanistan, according to a statement from the CEO office.

The CEO and USAID chief stressed free and fair elections in Afghanistan and th latter said his organization was ready to assist the war-torn country in holding transparent election.