WASHINGTON - US Secretary of State John Kerry met President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah Abdullah on the sidelines of the international donors’ conference in Brussels on Tuesday
Both meetings held separately covered a range of bilateral and regional issues and included discussions on the progress of efforts to strengthen the unity government, State Department spokesman John Kirby said.
During the meeting, Kerry reiterated US commitment to the political, social and economic development of Afghanistan, as well as ongoing alliance and US military efforts to keep improving the capability of Afghan National Defense and Security forces.
“He also reaffirmed US support for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process. The leaders also spoke about the need for continued reform to fight corruption, promote security and achieve sustainable development,” Kirby said.
At a news conference, State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner said the Brussels Conference was bringing together more than 70 countries and 20 international organisations to endorse a reform program and reaffirm support to the Afghan Government.
“At the conference, donors will outline their commitments to Afghanistan’s development linked to continued Afghan progress on political and economic reforms,” Toner said.
The conference sends a strong signal to the Afghan people and to the region that the international community remains committed to a stable and prosperous Afghanistan, he concluded. (Pajhwok)