KABUL - Following its ratifications by both parties, the Afghan-US strategic partnership accord is now in force, the two sides said on Wednesday.
President Hamid Karzai and his US counterpart Barack Obama signed the Enduring Strategic Partnership Agreement on May 2. Both countries completed their respective internal legal processes for ratification.

A joint statement from the parties said the agreement provided a long-term framework for relations between Afghanistan and the United States through and beyond the process of security transition to Afghan forces.

The agreement includes mutual commitments in the areas of promoting and protecting shared democratic values, advancing long-term security, reinforcing regional security and cooperation, social and economic development, and strengthening Afghan institutions and governance.

"Afghanistan and the United States reaffirm that their partnership is not aimed at any of Afghanistan's neighbors. This partnership will strengthen Afghan sovereignty, stability and prosperity and contribute to our shared goal of defeating terrorism," the statement added.

The two countries will begin to implement the deal, including establishing a bilateral commission chaired by foreign ministers or their designees. (Pajhwok)