Khalilzad meets with Ghani, reiterates US commitment to Afghanistan

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad has reiterated that the US will continue to support government and Afghan Security and Defense Forces (ANSDF).

Khalilzad met with President Ashraf Ghani and Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR) Abdullah Abdullah on Sunday.

The Afghan Presidential Palace (ARG) said in a statement that Ghani and Khalilzad discussed expanding cooperation, and maintaining political, diplomatic, security, and economic ties.

Noting the US $3.3 billion annual assistance to the ANSDF, Khalilzad conveyed “US government’s message of support for the security and defense forces, particularly the Air Force and the economic and human rights sectors.”

“The two sides emphasized on expansion of cooperation and maintaining political, diplomatic, security, and economic ties,” the statement read.

In his meeting with Abdullah, Khalilzad, meanwhile, stated that the US is committed to supporting Afghanistan in terms of fighting against terrorism and providing financial support to the Afghan Security and Defense Forces.

“Khalilzad stated that his country firmly supports the peace process and works to build a global and regional consensus in support of peace efforts,” the HCNR said in a statement.

According to the statement, Khalilzad has called on warring parties to reduce violence and engage in “serious and fruitful” talks.