KABUL - US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry, who met President Hamid Karzai at the Presidential Place in Kabul, on Saturday said making the proposed strategic agreement ready to be signed by leaders of the two countries was a major success.
A statement issued from the Presidential Place quoted Kerry as congratulating President Karzai on behalf of the US Senate for finalising on the contents of the much-awaited accord.

Both leaders also discussed the situation in Afghanistan and the region, peace process and Pakistan's role in this regard. They also conferred on other matters of mutual interest, the statement said.
The statement said President Karzai sought US continued cooperation in strengthening civil service organisations and implementing the basic infrastructure development projects in the country.

The discussion on bolstering and equipping Afghan security forces between the two leaders indicated that the proposed cut at the end-strength of Afghan forces was not final, but the reduction would be carried out after 2015, keeping in view the security situation at that time.

Meanwhile, President Karzai, during a meeting with parliamentary delegation, said his administration would continue to hold talks with the 'Hezb-i-Islami Afghanistan (HIA) until a final conclusion was reached.

In a reference to peace parleys with the Taliban, the president hoped the peace efforts would be toughen with the appointment of Salahuddin Rabbani as head of the High Peace Council. In a reference to peace parleys with the Taliban, the president hoped the peace efforts would be toughen with the appointment of Salahuddin Rabbani as head of the High Peace Council.

A statement issued from President Karzai's office quoted him as describing the strategic agreement with the US as an important and result-oriented document.