KABUL - President Ashraf Ghani along with CEO Abdullah Abdullah on Wednesday addressed a large gathering of delegates at a ceremony to mark the country's 96th Anniversary of Independence.

The ceremony, which was held at the Presidential Palace in Kabul, was attended by high-ranking officials, foreign dignitaries, military personnel, cabinet ministers and parliamentarians among others.

Ghani's focus was primarily on the security forces and the level of commitment shown by them in fighting insurgency and in turn safeguarding the country's sovereignty, while Abdullah said the country was united despite the aggression imposed upon it.

Ghani praised the troops for what they are doing and for what they have achieved and said that he will soon hand out over 1,000 medals to honor the efforts of Afghans – of which most of these medals will go to security force members.

He said security forces are managing the battle against insurgents well and that they have the necessary experience to do so.

According to him, insurgent activities is the primary reason for the recent increase in civilian casualties.

However, he urged the nation to embrace the move by clerics and the elders to support security forces.

In addition he stated that the government is looking to improve medical facilities for security forces and that it is also committed to supporting the families of martyrs who have died fighting for their country.

Ghani also paid tribute to those who fought during Jihad against the Soviet Union to regain Afghanistan's independence but pointed out that it was King Amanullah Kahn, who reigned from 1919 to 1929, that secured independence from the British on August 19, 1919.

He also noted that it was the king who kick-started development projects in the country and fought for freedom of expression.

On the issue of foreign policy, Ghani said Afghanistan wants "good and friendly relations" with neighbors and that he hopes Afghanistan will find peace and become a stable country.

"We want overseas Afghans to have an important role in peace and stability of the country," he said adding that Afghanistan's foreign policy is clear and that he wants neighboring countries to put the fight against terrorism at the top of their agendas.

Abdullah said in his speech that Afghans need to honor those who sacrificed their lives to ensure independence. He said when Afghanistan got its independence, most of the other countries in the region were not free.

In addition, he said that Afghanistan's Jihad against the Soviet Union was part of the efforts to safeguard the country's independence and that the country's resistance against the Soviet Union was a new chapter in the country's history

He however, went on to praise the country for being united despite aggression imposed on it. Abdullah said that the establishment of the National Unity Government was a sign of the people's unity.

Abdullah called on the people to support and protect the country's achievements and gains. He said Afghanistan not only wants peace in its own country but that government wants to see peace throughout the region.

In conclusion Abdullah said he hopes Allah will give the people of Afghanistan strength to bring about peace. (Tolonews)